Paddy farmers must get timely payments: Captain
Punjab chief minister pays visit to the grain market in Mukerian
HOSHIARPUR: Punjab chief minister (CM) Captain Amarinder Singh reviewed the progress of ongoing paddy procurement here on Monday.
He has directed the deputy commissioner to ensure payments to farmer within the stipulated time of 48 hours and crop lifting within 72 hours.
Presiding over a review meeting, the CM said that all mandis of the districts should provide basic amenities to the farmers and that no laxity will be tolerated.
Captain said that the state government has taken all measures to ensure seamless paddy procurement.
He asked the DC to ensure availability of adequate stock of gunny bags in all grain markets.
DC Vipul Ujwal said that 43,221 tonne paddy has arrived at the mandis so far. Of this, 42,388 tonne has been procured by the agencies concerned. The DC said that the district administration is making efforts for timely procurement of the entire yield.
The DC said that two maize dryers are in operation at Saila Khurd and Phuglana village in the district.
Hoshiarpur has surpassed last year’s total procurement of 5.50 lakh quintal, with the arrival of 5.73 lakh quintal maize across the mandis here. Health minister Brahm Mohindra was also present. 65% PAYMENT MADE, SAYS JALANDHAR DC JALANDHAR: Deputy commissioner Varinder Kumar Sharma visited Bhogpur and Adampur grain markets to review the procurement operations on Monday.
He asked the officials to ensure prompt payment to the farmers coming to the grain markets to sell harvest.
The DC said any negligence of duty in this account will be dealt sternly. He asked the officers to make concerted efforts for immediate purchase and lifting of paddy. “Lifting and procurement of the crop is going on in a smooth manner. 75% paddy procured by October 6 has already been lifted. Payment worth ₹75.61 crore has also been made to farmers in the district,” he said.
He reiterated that officials should maximise field visits to take stock of the operations on ground-level.
He said that the officers should frequently visit the grain markets under their jurisdiction.