- 85.28 LMT Procured Out of 86.90 LMT of Wheat Arrived Across the State-Viswajeet Khanna.
- 11.17 Lakh Passes Given To Farmers till Date
Nearly 98 percent of wheat out of total arrival so far has been procured in all the mandis across the state despite the challenging task amid Covid-19 restrictions.
Disclosing this here today, ACS Development Viswajeet Khanna said that 85.28 LMT of wheat has been procured out of 86.90 LMT arrived so far in mandis adding he expressed satisfaction over the procurement of nearly 65 percent out of estimated 135 LMT within a period of just 18 days from April 15 during this difficult phase. He further pointed out that amongst all the districts, Sangrur tops in arrival of 8.16 LMT, which is almost 10 percent of the total state’s arrival and out of which 8.05 has been procured till date. Khanna further pointed out that Patiala and Bathinda district rank second and third with arrival of 6.87 LMT and 6.80 respectively.
Notwithstanding the staggered arrival of wheat in mandis across the state, Khanna stated that though it has marginally affected its pace amid Covid-19 as compare to last season but the tempo of wheat arrival has been still maintained through pass system coupled with strict compliance of health protocol to ensure smooth and hassle free procurement on one hand and safety and well being of all stakeholders on the other during Rabi Marketing Season-2020-21. ACS also revealed that 11.17 lakh passes have already been given to farmers through Arthiyas by Mandi Board and various Market Committees.
Expressing gratitude to the farmers for their whole hearted support and cooperation to ensure smooth procurement during the ongoing operations, Khanna complimented the concerted efforts of all stakeholders especially the farmers to avoid crowd and congestion in the purchase centres thereby strictly adhering to the health protocol.
To ensure seamless procurement in these trying circumstances due to curfew/lockdown in wake of coronavirus, the state government has enhanced the number of purchase centres from 1834 to 4000 this year even designated rice mills as purchase centres to facilitate the farmers to bring their produce in a staggered manner at the nearest purchase points, Khanna added.
