Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reviewed wheat procurement arrangements at Mantralaya on Thursday. It was informed in the meeting that wheat procurement work will begin in Indore and Ujjain divisions from March 15.
Similarly, wheat procurement work will begin in Bhopal and Narmadapuram from March 20. Moreover wheat procurement work on support price will start from March 27 in Chambal, Gwalior, Rewa, Shahdol, Jabalpur and Sagar divisions. Chief Secretary BP Singh was present on the occasion.
Chouhan said that all the arrangements towards wheat procurement should be made in the interest of farmers. Government is responsible to protect farmers’ interest. He further mentioned that procurement work should be conducted with practical approach. Wheat procurement work should be carried out focusing needs and expectations of the farmers. Chouhan mentioned that marriages are being solemnized in farmers’ families during the procurement period. Therefore, payment procedure must be ensured within time limit. He said that one more chance should be given to the farmers for registration so that no eligible farmer left out. Advance availability of wheat bags must also be ensured. He told the officials for constant monitoring of bags supply.
The Chief Minister mentioned that effective transport arrangements of procured wheat should be made and decide route in a planned manner. Monopoly of transport contractors should be restricted. Give work to them after examining the capacity. Chouhan reviewed farmers’ registration, arrangements at procurement centers, wheat transportation, storage and payment arrangements.
It was informed that 2,963 centers have been made this year for wheat procurement higher than the last 7 years. Wheat will be purchased at the rate of `1625 per quintal. Payment will be made to the farmers within 3 days maximum by the procurement societies.
Principal Secretary to CM Ashok Varnval, Principal Secretary Food, Civil Supplies KC Gupta, Commissioner Food, Civil Supplies Faiz Ahmad Qidwai, Commissioner Cooperatives Kavindra Kiyawat and other Officers were present on the occasion.