Wheat procurement begins in Sahnewal grain market

Wheat procurement by government agencies formally began at the grain market in Sahnewal today. MLA Sahnewal Hardeep Singh Mundian, along with Sahnewal Market Committee Chairman Hemraj Raji, today visited grain market. During visit, Mundian issued strict instructions to staff of all procurement agencies to lift wheat crop arriving in markets on time.

While speaking to mediapersons, Mundian said, “The Punjab Government has made arrangements to ensure hassle-free procurement of wheat in the state. No farmer will suffer due to delayed procurement. The entire process will go on smoothly.”

He said strict instructions had been issued for making payments to farmers on time. The MLA said he would be keeping a watch on the wheat procurement. He instructed officials to ensure adequate availability of water and power in grain markets.

Mundian said the minimum support price (MSP) of wheat was fixed at Rs 2,585 per quintal. To ensure that farmers do not face any inconvenience, elaborate arrangements for gunny bags (bardana) had been made, he said.

Regarding payments for purchased wheat, the MLA said, “Payments will be directly transferred to farmers’ accounts.” He also told officials of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, Punjab Mandi Board, and the district administration to personally monitor procurement in markets and ensure transparency and efficiency.

Sahnewal Market Committee Chairman Hemraj Raji said proper arrangements for shade, water, toilets, tarpaulins and lighting had been made for farmers in all grain markets.

“We are making efforts to maintain coordination between farmers and procurement agencies so that crop can be lifted without any hitch. Farmers are being asked to bring moisture free wheat so that they do suffer on any account as far as lifting or payment is concerned,” Raji added.