Procurement of naturally grown wheat begins in Chamba

The Agriculture Department on Wednesday started the procurement of naturally grown wheat from farmers in the district, beginning today. This initiative is part of the state government’s special action plan aimed at promoting organic farming and ensuring fair prices for farmers’ produce. Dr Jyoti Ranjan Kalia, Director of the ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency) project, said three procurement centres have been set up at Chuwari, Banikhet and Chamba (near Baloo FCI godown) for the purchase of naturally grown wheat from local farmers. Farmers can sell their wheat at these centres until June 10.

Dr Mahima Ghavru, Deputy Project Director, ATMA, said on the first day of procurement, 11 farmers from Salooni and Chamba subdivisions sold 46 quintals of naturally grown wheat at the Chamba centre at the rate of Rs 60/kg. Similarly, 12 farmers sold 60 quintals at the Chowari centre, while 2 quintals were sold at the Banikhet centre.