Capt lauds purchase of 128 lakh tonnes of wheat amid lockdown

CHANDIGARH : As wheat purchase operations drew to an end in Punjab on Sunday, chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh thanked the farmers, arhtiyas, labourers and all government agencies for the successful procurement of 128 lakh tonne crop despite Covid-19 challenges.

The CM complimented agriculture and food and civil supplies departments, along with agencies including Markfed, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation, PUNSUP, as well as the FCI, on this feat.

Due to elaborate mandi arrangements and operational management of the staggered arrival of wheat, Covid-19 failed to put a spoke in the procurement operation, the CM said.

Amarinder said patience and discipline, along with adherence of all involved in the operation with strict health and safety measures put in place for harvesting, procurement and storage of wheat, had ensured zero Covid-19 cases in the entire process.

The CM also appreciated food and civil supplies minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu for successfully accomplishing the massive task, besides prompt lifting and ensuring timely payment to the farmers for their produce. He lauded the efforts of deputy commissioners and police as well as other government staff involved in the procurement process.

Additional chief secretary (development) Viswajeet Khanna said to facilitate the preharvesting necessities during lockdown, the agriculture department had successfully coordinated the tracking, screening of all combine operators entering Punjab borders, till the completion of the harvesting operation.

Patience and discipline, along with adherence with strict measures put in place for harvesting, procurement and storage ensured zero Covid cases in the process

AMARINDER SINGH, Punjab CM