Wheat procurement picks pace, lifting remains a concern

Wheat procurement is in full swing across Ambala’s grain markets, but concerns over slow lifting of stocks persist among farmers and commission agents.

This year, wheat was sown across nearly 91,000 hectares in the district. As per data, procurement agencies have purchased 97,748 metric tonnes (MT) of wheat from 15 grain markets and purchase centres. However, only 29% of the stock (28,131 MT) has been lifted till Tuesday evening.

While stakeholders expressed satisfaction over the quality and yield of the crop, they flagged the sluggish lifting as a key challenge.

Duni Chand, patron of the Haryana State Arhtiya Association, said, “The procurement season is at its peak but lifting has been an issue. Some farmers also bring produce with higher moisture content, which takes time to dry and leads to space crunch. Agencies should improve lifting to free up space in the markets for incoming produce.”

Malkit Singh, a farmer from Sahabpura village, said, “We had a good crop this year. Against the average produce of 20 quintals per acre last year, this time it’s around 23 quintals. The weather remained favourable, and grain quality is good.”

Confirming the trend, Deputy Director Agriculture (DDA) Dr Jaswinder Saini said, “About 30% harvesting is completed. With continued favourable weather, over 60% will be done by this weekend. Initial reports suggest yields of 22–25 quintals per acre compared to the usual 18–21. It’s a bumper crop, and the grain quality is good.”

On lifting delays, DFSC Ambala Apar Tiwari said, “Lifting is improving gradually. Transporters have been directed to deploy more vehicles. All efforts are on to ensure smooth procurement.”

Deputy Commissioner Ajay Singh Tomer said, “All agencies have been instructed to expedite lifting and ensure a smooth procurement season. Timely payment to farmers is being closely monitored. Any delay will attract strict action.”

Haryana Tribune