Preparations have been completed to send SMS inviting farmers for e-procurement of wheat that starts from Monday in the State. Societies will ensure adequate number of weighing balances and machines at all the procurement centres. Wheat procurement will be made in 22 districts by the State Civil Supplies Corporation and remaining districts by the State Marketing Federation.
Norms for quality of wheat have been fixed and intimated to districts. Funds equivalent to 15 days’ procurement are being made available in advance to societies for payment to farmers within the prescribed time-limit. Funds against procurement will be deposited directly in farmers bank accounts. Information regarding remittal of payment will be given to farmers through SMS.
This year, the State Government has fixed target to procure 115 metric tonnes of wheat which is 30 lakh metric tonnes more than last year. During last Rabi season, 85.07 lakh metric tonnes of wheat was procured. The State Civil Supplies Corporation has 4 lakh 44 thousand bales of gunny bags (jute and PP bags) including remaining stock of last year. About 111 lakh metric tonnes of wheat can be packed in these gunny bags.
Available gunny bags are being sent to procurement centres. Remaining gunny bags are expected to be received this month. The Government has ensured that there is no hurdle in procurement process on account of gunny bags.
For regular monitoring of procurement a State-level committee headed by the Commissioner Food has been constituted. Similarly committees headed by concerning collectors have been constituted at the district-level. Toll-free number 155343 and 18002335343 have been installed to facilitate farmers to register their complaints and problems pertaining to wheat procurement. District Information Officers, NIC and their technical staff’s teams have also been constituted in every district.