Used bags in short supply due to hoarding: Arhtiyas

Sangrur, April 23

Five days after the Punjab Government approved the packaging of wheat in good quality used gunny bags provided by arhtiyas, there seems to be no improvement in the shortage of gunny bags. Arhtiyas have accused officials of diverting the anger of farmers towards them for failing to ensure a speedy lifting.

“We have been trying to find good quality old gunny bags, but have failed to meet the demand. Some persons had already hoarded a majority of such bags as they were already aware that the government would announce their reuse. The approval for the reuse of old bags has been given to favour certain influential persons and not to help farmers,” said Ravinder Singh Cheema, president, Arhtiya Association Punjab.

“The government officers are provoking farmers by saying that we are not providing used gunny bags. These are baseless allegations,” said Cheema. Sangrur DC Ramvir said officers with the help of arhtiyas had been trying their best to arrange the required gunny bags. — TNS