Haryana: High moisture content hinders wheat procurement in Sampla
Though the wheat procurement process has been initiated in all grain markets in the district, the issue of high moisture content in the produce, exceeding the maximum allowable limit, is hindering procurement, particularly at the grain market in Sampla town here.
According to reports, farmers have been bringing wheat to the Sampla grain market for the past couple of days, and so far, a total of over 19,594 quintals has been recorded as the arrival in Sampla. Only 483 quintals out of it has been purchased so far .
“When our team began the procurement process in Sampla, we found that the moisture content exceeded the prescribed limit of 12 per cent. As a result, farmers have been asked to dry their produce and make sure it is eligible for procurement. Our officials are present at Sampla mandi and are buying dry wheat at the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 2,425 per quintal,” said Rohtas Dahiya, District Manager of the Haryana State Warehouse Corporation.
He further claimed that all arrangements essential for wheat procurement had been made at the Sampla grain market. Gunny bags in adequate numbers were also available in the mandi to pack procured produce. “We request the farmers to bring dry produce to the mandi to avoid moisture-related issues,” Dahiya added.
Meanwhile, former Labour and Employment Minister, Krishan Murti Hooda, who also serves as the BJP state spokesperson, visited the Sampla grain market on Friday after receiving complaints from the farmers regarding the non-procurement of their produce by government agencies. During his visit, he also listened to the concerns of the farmers and commission agents.
“Wheat and mustard are being brought into the Sampla grain market. The farmers and commission agents complained that thousands of quintals of mustard have arrived, but there is shortage of gunny bags. Similarly, procurement for wheat is yet to be initiated,” said Krishan Murti.
Later, the former minister also called on Sampla SDM Utsav Anand and raised the issue of gunny bags and moisture content before him.
“The farmers and commission agents are satisfied with the SDM’s action, but we will not hesitate to raise the issue before the higher authorities or the Chief Minister if any official associated with the procurement process neglects his/her duties in purchasing farmers’ produce. The BJP government is committed to serving the farmers and all their crops will be procured at MSP on time,” Krishan Murti added.
Meanwhile, Sampla SDM Utsav Anand told ‘The Tribune’ that some people met him on Friday and claimed that two moisture meters were showing different values in the market. “The issue was later resolved,” said the SDM who also admitted the moisture content was hampering the wheat purchase.
