Speed up wheat lifting to ensure smooth procurement of crop in mandis: Dhaliwal

Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal visited grain markets at Bhagtanwala and Rajasansi on Sunday. During his visit, Dhaliwal took serious note of the slow lifting of procured wheat stock from the markets. Dhaliwal asked officials concerned to expedite the procurement and lifting process, instructing procurement agency officials to ensure that procured wheat was lifted within two days. He emphasised that the wheat season was short, and delayed lifting could lead to space crunch affecting the procurement process.

Noting that private traders were lifting wheat stocks efficiently, Dhaliwal expressed concern over the slow lifting of government stocks. He warned contractors engaged for lifting stocks that failure to perform their duties would result in blacklisting.

Upon noticing wheat lying in the open at Bhagtanwala grain market, Dhaliwal directed officials to build two large sheds to protect the crop from damage by rain. He said arrangements would be made in markets to ensure the welfare of farmers, labourers and vendors.

However, the minister had made a similar announcement while visiting the mandi two years ago, but nothing had happened then. Every procurement season, shortage of sheds at grain markets across the district troubles farmers.

A commission agent said, “We hope that the minister will not forget his announcement regarding construction of new sheds this time.” He said infrastructure at the grain market had to be upgraded. At Rajasansi grain market, Dhaliwal expressed satisfaction over the ongoing purchase of the crop and instructed officials to speed up lifting.

Amritsar