Delay in wheat procurement triggers farmers' resentment in Fazilka

Resentment is brewing among farmers over the delay in wheat procurement in Fazilka district.

Although the procurement process was formally inaugurated today by local AAP MLA Narinderpal Singh Sawna at the local grain market, regular procurement has yet to begin by government agencies.

Gurdial Singh, a resident of Turkanwali village, said he has been camping at the grain market since April 10, but his produce has not been purchased despite the wheat being within the permissible moisture limit and ready for sale.

According to Market Committee sources, an arrival of 1,935 metric tonnes (MT) of wheat had been recorded in Fazilka district till Monday. However, reports suggest that heavy arrivals are yet to be officially recorded by the Mandi Board authorities.

Aarhtiya Association president Sanjeev “Goldy” Sachdeva said that more than one lakh bags (each weighing 50 kg) are awaiting auction at the local grain market.

“Procurement should immediately be started with relaxed norms as farmers are not at fault," said Ashwani Kumar resident of Churiwala Chisti village.

So far, only one formal heap of 5 MT of wheat has been procured today by PUNSUP at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 2,585 per quintal.

District Food and Supply Controller Vandana Kamboj, however, stated that the procurement process has begun and will be ensured across all areas from Wednesday onwards.

A Market Committee official said that much of the wheat has moisture content above the permissible limit of 12 per cent, and authorities are awaiting instructions from the Central Government. Notably, a Central Government team visited the Fazilka grain market on Monday evening and collected wheat samples to examine issues such as high moisture content, shrivelled grains, and loss of lustre caused by recent hailstorms and heavy rainfall.

Notably, 99 purchase centres have been identified for wheat procurement in Fazilka district this year.