A week after official date, buying of wheat begins in Karnal

On the eighth day since the official commencement of the procurement season, the actual procurement of wheat has begun on Tuesday.

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In the presence of MLA Jagmohan Anand and Mayor Renu Bala Gupta, officials started auctioning wheat. They also inspected the grain market and reviewed the procurement preparations, besides interacting with farmers and arhtiyas to enquire about the issues being faced by them.

The procurement started on April 1, but high moisture content and non-finalisation of transport and labour contractors were among the major reasons behind the non-starting of procurement.

“Farmers should not face any mismanagement in mandis while selling their produce. Officials must guarantee procurement at government-fixed MSP,” said Anand, adding,

“If any farmer, trader, or commission agent faces an issue, they can call me even at midnight.”

The Mayor said farmers were bringing wheat and mustard crops to grain markets and it was the duty of officials to ensure procurement on MSP.

Earlier, they examined the gate pass system and instructed the officials to ensure transparency in its issuance. Directives were also issued to maintain sanitation, provide clean drinking water, and ensure timely lifting of procured crops. They reminded the officials of the initiative started by former CM and Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar, wherein payments were directly transferred to farmers’ accounts.

Reacting to the demand of arhtiyas, the MLA said security and traffic regulation inside the mandi would be closely monitored. He directed that a police vehicle be stationed inside the grain market during procurement hours. He also discussed the possibility of deploying a fire brigade vehicle for safety.