Lifting of wheat: Labour, transport contractors finalised in Karnal

After days of uncertainty and prolonged negotiations, the Karnal district administration has finally finalised labour and transport contractors for the ongoing wheat procurement season. The move has brought relief to arhtiyas and farmers who were growing anxious over the delay in lifting.

For the past few days, contractors were locked in negotiations with district officials over rate issues. The stalemate had sparked concerns among stakeholders that the absence of timely arrangements for handling and transportation could create a glut-like situation in the mandis, severely disrupting procurement.

However, following extensive discussions, led by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Yashpal Jaluka, contractors started operations on Thursday. “Labour and transport contractors have been finalised and they have started work in all grain markets. We have also ensured a sufficient supply of gunny bags and instructed transporters to expedite lifting,” he said.

As per District Food and Supplies Controller (DFSC) Anil Kumar, 19 of 21 transport contractors, and 34 of 41 labour contractors had been finalised as per government norms. “This will ensure smooth functioning in mandis without any interruptions,” he added.

Ashok Khurana, a transport contractor, confirmed the commencement of lifting operations after the final agreement. “We are now fully operational and will ensure smooth and timely lifting of wheat across all procurement centres,” he said.

Meanwhile, wheat harvesting has picked up pace across the district. Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh said over 54,167 metric tonnes (MT) of wheat had already arrived at various mandis and purchase centres. Of this, 11,828 MT had been procured by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumers Affairs Department, and 3,648 MT by HAFED.

“The administration has made all required arrangements in advance for hassle-free procurement. I urge farmers to bring their produce as per their turn to avoid overcrowding,” he said.

Meanwhile, the sudden change in weather has sparked fresh concern among farmers. Light rain and strong winds hit the region on Thursday evening, just as harvesting is in full swing. Farmers rushed to cover their crop in mandis to prevent it from getting wet. Experts warned that rain at this stage was not good. “In majority of areas, wheat is at the harvesting stage. If rain is followed by a sunny day, there will be no major damage,” said Dr Ratan Tiwari, Director, Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR).