Wheat procurement in lower Kangra gains momentum after initial delays

Despite the official notification by the State Food and Supply Corporation (SFSC) to begin wheat procurement on April 8, the process was delayed in Kangra district due to late harvesting in the lower region. Four procurement centres were established by the State Marketing Board (SMB) and Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC), Kangra, with three located in lower Kangra—Milwan (Indora sub-division), and Fatehpur and Riyali (Fatehpur subdivision).

According to information from The Tribune, a fourth centre was set up three years ago at Nagrota Bagwan by the Agriculture Department, but until Saturday, not a single farmer had sold wheat there. In contrast, the three lower Kangra centres began operations in mid-April. Wheat procurement at Riyali began on April 15, followed by Milwan on April 17, and Fatehpur on April 24. Among these, the Riyali centre has emerged as the most active.

Dixit Jaryal, Chairman of APMC Kangra, reported that Riyali procured 13,751 quintals of wheat from 233 farmers. Milwan followed with 3,024 quintals from 54 farmers, and Fatehpur with 476 quintals from 9 farmers. He added that APMC has been providing basic facilities such as potable water, waiting rooms, electricity, parking, wooden crates, storage, and winnowing machines. Labour and grain cleaning charges have also been standardized for farmers’ convenience.

This year, the Himachal Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation (HPFCSC) set procurement targets of 1,400 metric tones (MT) at Riyali, 1,100 MT at Milwan, 1,000 MT at Fatehpur, and 100 MT at Nagrota Bagwan. The procurement window will remain open until June 10.

While procurement operations have been running smoothly in lower Kangra, many farmers—particularly from the Mand area—still prefer selling to private traders across the border in Punjab. These private buyers often offer rates higher than the minimum support price (MSP) and purchase crops without imposing restrictions related to grain moisture. Farmers also cited the cumbersome online registration and token system required by the government procurement centres as a deterrent. “Booking slots online is time-consuming. Private traders pay well and save us the hassle,” said one farmer.

Sawarn Singh, area manager of HPFCSC in Dharamsala, said all efforts were underway to meet this year’s targets. He also assured that farmers are receiving payment within 24 hours of bill generation. Singh expressed optimism that procurement numbers will improve as weather conditions stabilise.

The situation highlights the growing preference among farmers for faster, more flexible private market options, despite government incentives. However, with streamlined systems and continued support, officials hope to encourage more participation in the government procurement process in the coming weeks.