Punjab: ETV Bharat's reality check during wheat procurement process

Reality check done by ETV Bharat team in Punjab's wheat procurement process reveals that arhtiyas were not allocated verified coupons and farmers were facing shortage of labour. However, Amarinder Singh's government claims that adequate and proper arrangements were made for the smooth process of procurement.

Chandigarh(Punjab):Amid the coronavirus lockdown, the process of wheat procurement commenced in Asia's biggest mandi in Punjab on April 15. On one hand, the government officials claim that adequate arrangements are made in the process ensuring safe distancing and safety of farmers.

But the reality check done by the ETV Bharat team reveals a different story. Ground reality of wheat procurement procedure stated that arhtiyas (commission agents), who issues coupons to the farmers have no access to the verified hologram coupons. According to the report, only one farmer turned up on the first day to sell his crop. Commission agents claim that they were not informed by the government authorities regarding the coupons which were suppossed to be issued to the farmers.

Farmers also faced shortage of labour force required to cut the crop and no proper facilities were available for the same. Due to the lockdown restrictions imposed by the state govt, farmers are left with no choice but to harvest their own crop. They have appealed to the government to make proper arrangements as they have to deal with various difficulties in the process.

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However, masks, sanitizers and soaps were made available to ensure safety but maintaining social distancing norms while uplifting and storing of wheat is also a big concern. Farmers have requested the govt to make proper arrangements for the wheat procurement process.

According to the data released by the Punjab State Government, the government agencies have procured 3,119 metric tonnes of wheat in Punjab in 1,867 Procurement centres and 1,824 Mandi Yards on the first day.