Centre accedes to Punjab's request to revisit shrivelled grain criteria

Chandigarh, April 12

Acting on a request of the state government to revisit specifications for shrivelled grains in the wheat being purchased across the state, the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, today decided to constitute five teams to assess the extent of the problem in the state.

A spokesperson for the Punjab Government said the teams would arrive in the state tomorrow and visit 15 districts to make first-hand assessment of the extent of shrivelled grain problem. The data would be considered while taking a final decision on grant of appropriate relaxation in the specifications, he said.

Due to extreme heat conditions the wheat grain has reportedly shrivelled in many areas. The produce arriving in certain mandis contains shrivelled grains beyond the permissible limit of 6 per cent.

The spokesperson further added that during the visits of these teams, the ongoing purchase at certain mandis might be temporarily disrupted. He appealed to the farmers and functionaries of the procurement agencies to cooperate in that regard.

5 teams arrive today

• Five teams have been formed by the Centre to assess the extent of problem
• The teams will arrive on Wednesday and visit 15 districts to make first-hand assessment
• The data will be considered while taking a decision on the grant of relaxation in specifications

Relax norms: Food Minister

Chandigarh: The Punjab Government has sought relaxation in the norms for shrivelled wheat grains in view of the change in appearance of the grain as a result of early onset of heat wave. The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister, Lal Chand Kataruchak, said the unprecedented heat wave has caused the grain to shrivel. The Centre has allowed only 6 per cent of shrivelled grain in the purchase of wheat.

Compensate for yield loss: MP

Patiala: In a letter to the Union Government, Patiala MP Preneet Kaur has written to Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, urging him to provide compensation to farmers for the loss of yield due to extreme heat wave. She said: “Heat has broken all records this year and has affected the wheat crop. The yield has declined by 25%this year, with an estimated loss of about five to seven quintal per acre.”