24 LMT wheat procured so far: Punjab Minister

Punjab Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Sunday said over 24 lakh metric tonne (LMT) wheat has been procured so far out of 28 LMT arrivals in the state.

He said Rs 647 crore had been credited to farmers’ accounts at the minimum support price of Rs 2,585 per quintal. The minister added that payments were being made within 48 hours of the procurement. Lifting operations had also gained pace, he added.

Kataruchak directed officials to ensure that farmers do not face inconvenience in mandis. He said arrangements for “bardana”, labour and transportation had been put in place.

He also appealed to farmers to avoid burning wheat stubble and instead manage it using machinery provided by the Agriculture Department.

Referring to crop losses due to recent unseasonal rain, he said special girdawari had been ordered and the state government would compensate affected farmers.