Wheat yet to arrive in Muktsar even as procurement season began on April 1

Even as the wheat procurement season officially began on April 1, the fresh crop is yet to start arriving at the procurement centres in Muktsar district.

The district has 127 permanent procurement centres, and in anticipation of a heavy crop arrival in the coming days, the authorities have sought approval for some temporary procurement centres and yards. The aim is to avoid a glut-like situation that could lead to chaos and inconvenience for farmers.

Manish Kumar, District Mandi Officer (DMO), Muktsar, said that approval for 29 temporary procurement centres for Bariwala has been received so far. “We are preparing in advance to ensure smooth procurement. Once the arrivals begin in full swing, the added yards will help us manage the rush efficiently,” he said.

Regarding Badal village, which has in the past witnessed a severe glut, forcing farmers to dump their produce in an adjacent cremation ground, the DMO said, “To prevent a repeat of such a situation, we have sought approval for four temporary yards at Badal village. We are hopeful that these additional yards will help in managing the procurement without any inconvenience to farmers.”

Meanwhile, with the temperature remaining above 40 degrees Celsius, Agriculture Department officials said that the fresh crop’s arrival is expected to begin in a day or two.

Muktsar Deputy Commissioner Abhijeet Kaplish said that last year wheat arrival was recorded around 9.19 lakh MT and this time more yield is expected.