Slow start: Only 2,700 MT wheat reaches mandis in Amritsar

Nearly 2,700 metric tonnes of wheat produce reached the markets in the district till Thursday, stated Local Government Minister Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar while overseeing the start of government procurement at the Bhagtanwala grain market.

Officials of the Mandi Board and the Agriculture Department stated that harvesting of wheat is expected to pick up pace next week. They said farmers should not harvest the crop unless it is fully ripened.

Dr Nijjar said all arrangements for the procurement season are in place at the Bhagtanwala grain market. “We have made arrangements for drinking water, restrooms, toilets and electricity,” he said. The Mandi Board has operationalised a total of 56 grain markets in the district.

In many markets of the district, no produce has arrived so far. Farmers said wheat grain is not completely matured which is the reason for the delay in harvesting.

As the ruling party MLA was in the grain market, the commission agents apprised him of the problems faced by them. They complained that three years ago, Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal had announced the construction of more sheds in the market.

“Since then, the minister has not visited the markets and perhaps he has also forgotten about his announcement. We hope we would not have to face difficulty in lifting the produce,” said a commission agent, adding that contract for lifting has been granted to people with close ties to political leaders.

Meanwhile, District Mandi Officer Amandeep Singh said it would be ensured that the crop is procured on the day of arrival itself. He appealed to the farmers to not bring grains with over 12 per cent moisture content.

The officials also advised the farmers to harvest the crop during the daytime only. The crop harvested during night has more moisture and procurement agencies would be unable to purchase such grains.

Amritsar