Expedite lifting of procured wheat, says JP Dalal

Deepender Deswal

Hisar/Bhiwani, April 14

As the farmers and arhtiyas complain of slow lifting of wheat, Agriculture Minister Jai Prakash Dalal directed the authorities of the grain markets to expedite the lifting of the procured wheat to ensure a smooth procurement process.

The minister made a surprise visit at the grain markets in Bawani Khera, Loharu, Bahal and Dhigawa in the Bhiwani district today. In Bawani Khera grain market, arhtiyas complained about not having enough gunny bags which resulted in the sluggish pace of procurement.

Taking note of the complaints, the minister stated, “Procurement agency officials should ensure that there is no problem to the farmers in the procurement. The token should be given to the farmers on time and the work of lifting the grain should be sped up.”

He warned that strict action would be taken against the officials or employees who were negligent in the work. Dalal added that the state government had already issued instructions that there will be no deduction due to crop moisture.

“If there is moisture, it should be dried in the Sun for some time, but there should be no loss to the farmers,” he stated.

Meanwhile, with the IMD’s yellow alert for spells of rain or thundershowers on April 18 and 19, the farmers and arhtiyas worry about the stock lying in the open.

Pawan Garg, member of Hisar Arhtiyas Association, said, “Large number of farmers are expected to bring their produce to the mandis in the next couple of days. If the stock is not lifted on time, it could result in a glut of wheat at some markets due to space crunch,” he said.

According to information, the smaller purchase centres set up at the villager levels have no facilities of sheds to cover the grain which could suffer damage in case of change of weather.

Not enough gunny bags

• In the Bawani Khera grain market, arhtiyas complained about not having enough gunny bags
• This resulted in the sluggish pace of procurement
• Taking note of the complaints, the minister stated, “Procurement agency officials should ensure that there is no problem to the farmers in the procurement”
• The token should be given to the farmers on time and the work of lifting the grain should be sped up

Wheat arrival picks up in mandis

• As the arrival of wheat has picked up pace in the grain markets, farmers and arhtiyas are concerned over the slow lifting of the procured grain
• The sources said that the procuring agencies such as HAFED, FCI and Food and Supplies are unable to lift the grain
• The report till yesterday revealed that only 1,930 quintals of wheat out of total purchase of 7,61,777 quintals was lifted from Hisar
• Interacting with the farmers, Administrative Secretary Amneet P Kumar said, “After purchase, the payment of farmers’ produce will be disbursed within 48 to 72 hours”
• She directed the officials concerned to make security and cleanliness arrangements in the mandis