With a bumper production of wheat crop in the state, the Punjab has successfully crossed 100 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) mark in wheat procurement despite several challenges during curfew or lockdown amid Covid-19 crisis.
Besides, pass system for farmers and impeccable arrangements put in place for procurement operations in over 4000 purchase centres has led to the smooth and hassle free procurement.
“Nearly 78 percent of total procurement operations have already been accomplished within 22 days after commencement,” said the state’s Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Viswajeet Khanna.
He said that out of total estimated arrival of 135 LMT of wheat, the state mandis recorded arrival of 105.14 LMT so far, of which 104 LMT had been procured during ongoing Rabi Marketing Season (RMS).
Khanna said that 13.71 lakh passes have been issued so far to the farmers through arhtiyas (commission agents) to ensure staggered movement of wheat in mandis.