In Sangrur, houses turn granaries

Sangrur, April 20

In view of the tardy lifting of wheat and to protect their crop from rain, farmers have converted their houses into granaries. Meanwhile, the shortage of gunny bags continues in the district.

“I harvested wheat on 15 acres on April 10 and since then the crop has been lying at my house. The government must intervene as there is no space for fresh arrivals in view of the slow pace of lifting. Rain would have destroyed my entire produce had I not stored it in my house,” says Amarjeet Singh Mann from Channo village.

Till last evening, various grain markets of the district had received 7,15,270 MT of wheat, of which 6,70,541 MT was purchased by various agencies. Pungrain has purchased 3,13,325 MT of wheat, Markfed (1,36,940 MT), Punsup (1,45,140 MT), Punjab State Ware House Corporation (63,215 MT) and the FCI (5,861 MT). Of the total purchase, the authorities have lifted 2,88,630 MT and released a payment of Rs 94.76 crore.

“Our wheat has been lying in the open due to the tardy lifting. The authorities have failed to supply gunny bags. We have laid siege to the SDM offices in Lehra and Moonak. We will not lift our dharnas till the government makes required arrangements of gunny bags,” said Dharminder Pashore, BKU (Ugrahan) leader.

Deputy Commissioner Ramvir said they had been taking all required steps to ensure the smooth purchase of wheat across the district. “I along with other senior officials have been supervising the purchase of wheat and taking effective steps. If there is any problem, our officials will visit farmers to address their concerns,” the Deputy Commissioner said. — TNS