Minister Nagar visits grain markets

Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rajesh Nagar today reviewed paddy procurement at the Thanesar grain market in Kurukshetra and directed officials to ensure smooth procurement.

Nagar interacted with farmers and officials of the market committee and procurement agencies.  He said, “The state government has made all arrangements to ensure a smooth procurement process. It will be ensured that farmers don’t face any inconvenience. Some diseases have affected the quality of the grain, but the government is with the farmers and every single grain will be procured.”

“Clear directions have been given to the officials that if any negligence is found, strict action will be initiated against the officials. CM Nayab Singh Saini has also issued directions, following which regular inspections of the grain markets will be made to ensure smooth procurement,” he said.

Earlier in the day, he attended an event organised by rice millers at Pehowa, and said the government had accepted the demands of the millers related to the bonus and holding charges, and a smooth season would be ensured by the government.

Addressing the millers, he said their pending issues would also be resolved soon. The millers are demanding relaxation in bank guarantee, and registration on previous pattern.

The minister also visited the Pehowa and Shahabad grain markets and enquired about procurement.

Meanwhile, at the Shahabad grain market, following a delay in procurement, market committee secretary Krishan Malik made a complaint to the Kurukshetra DC and sought his intervention. Malik said, “On Tuesday, up to 3.30 pm, no purchase was made by agencies, following which a request letter was sent to the DC for necessary directions. Commission agents and farmers are expressing dissatisfaction with procurement. Soon after the letter was sent, both agencies started the purchase."