JALANDHAR
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Agarwal today visited different grain markets of Jalandhar and took stock of the ongoing wheat procurement process.
He had detailed deliberations with the officials of the Punjab Mandi Board, Food and Civil Supply Department, and Procurement agencies wherein he reviewed the procurement process at Kartarpur and Naugja Mandi besides obtaining information from farmers about their difficulties due to the rains that occurred yesterday.
Apart from this, on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Agarwal, the sub-divisional magistrates of various sub-divisions are also taking stock of the procurement process of wheat in the respective grain markets.
The DC said that the district administration has a target of purchasing 5.17 lakh metric tons of wheat in around 80 mandis, for which proper arrangements have been made for smooth purchase of farmers' crops.
He gave strict instructions to the officials of procurement agencies that the farmers should not face any kind of problem in selling their crops.
He inspected the standing crop in the fields with the officials of the agriculture department and stated that the arrival of wheat will accelerate in the next few days.
He also said that it should be ensured that the purchased crop to be lifted on time and the payment also to be made within the stipulated time.
Expressing satisfaction over the arrangements made to protect wheat from rain in the markets, he said that the district administration has made adequate arrangements for the proper maintenance of the crop.
The Deputy Commissioner also said that till now 16613 metric tons of wheat has arrived in the grain markets of the district, out of which 15121 metric tons have been purchased.
Dr. Agarwal said that drinking water, sheds, light, cleanliness, toilets etc. have already been arranged for the convenience of the farmers who bring their crops to the markets.
Apart from this, arrangements for labor, transportation of crops, an adequate quantity of bardana, etc. have also been ensured.
He also appealed to the farmers that the crops should be brought in the mandis of the district as per the prescribed standards so that the various procurement agencies do not face any difficulty in purchasing. He also instructed the officials to ensure that the procurement process of wheat is carried out smoothly.