Farmers Movement Archive

Over 2.22 lakh MT of wheat arrives at grain markets

Agencies have procured 2.14 lakh MT in district till date Tribune News Service Amritsar, May 1 Over 2.22 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of wheat has arrived at grain markets in the district so far. Mandi Board officials said almost 32 per cent of the crop has arrived at the markets and harvesting will be completed with next 10 days. Government agencies have procured around 2.14 lakh MT of wheat till date. District Food Supply Controller Lakhwinder Singh said, “Till Thursday evening, of the total 2.22 MT of wheat, which has arrived at the grain markets, 2.14 MT has been procured by government agencies. Pungrain has bought 56,333 MT, Markfed purchased 46,739 MT, Punsup procured 44,234 MT, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation bought 35,755 MT and Food Corporation of India procured 29,645 MT.” Last year, the government had procured 6,82,905 MT of wheat in the district. Control rooms to remain functional till May 17 As the curfew in the state has been extended, the Agriculture Department has extended the services of the control room till May 17. The control room provides assistance to farmers on the issue of crops, use of fertilisers, seeds and pesticides during the sowing of kharif crops. District Agriculture Officer Harinderjit Singh said, “It is the right time to cultivate kharif crops. The control room will remain functional. Officials are being appointed to answer the queries of farmers. They can call daily from 8 am to 8 pm.” He said as per the roster prepared till May 17, Sukhminder Singh Uppal , Agriculture Development Officer (ADO) (Enforcement), will provide assistance to farmers on May 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 on his phone number 8872900030. Similarly, Sukhchain Singh, ADO (Seed), will be available on May 2, 5, 8, 11, 14 and 17 on 9814860114. He said that Balwinder Singh Chhina ADO (plant protection) will provide assistance on May 4, 7, 10, 13 and 16.

The Tribune

2020-05-02