All set for wheat procurement from April 1: Mandi Board

SAS NAGAR: Punjab Mandi Board will start procuring wheat from April 1. “All necessary arrangements are in place to facilitate farmers. In 2015, 106.23 lakh metric tonne wheat was procured. Around 120 lakh MT wheat is expected to reach the market this year,” said Tejinder Pal Singh Sidhu, mandi board secretary, on Tuesday.

“The government has set up 1,823 centres where procurement will be done at government rates --- `1,525 per quintal,” said board chairman Ajmer Singh Lakhowal after a high-level meeting to review arrangements.

Sidhu said a control room has been set up at the board head office in SAS Nagar. “If anyone wants to approach officials regarding problems being faced during procurement, he/she can dial 0172-5101649, 5101704, 9914004661. The control room will remain operational from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm,” said Sidhu.

He said field officers have been told to ensure smooth procurement operations.

“Officials have been told to distribute the Kisan Health Bima Cards to farmers,” added Sidhu. He urged farmers not to bring wheat having moisture to the market and told them not to use combines during night hours.

Sufficient sitting arrangement, power supply and drinking water facilities have been ensured for farmers, he said, adding that additional temporary staff has been deputed by market committees to ensure smooth operations.

To take stock of arrangements, special teams comprising general manager and chief engineers, have also been formed.