800 MT of wheat procured at 78 grain markets on Day 2

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, April 11

Against the expectations of farmers, the procurement process has started at a slow pace in the grain markets of the district. As per officials of the Mandi Board, around 800 metric tonnes (MT) of wheat, brought to the 78 grain markets of the district, was procured on Sunday, the second day of the procurement.

However, after observing a state-wide protest on Saturday (day one of the procurement drive), the arhtiyas (commission agents) were seen busy in getting the produce cleaned, packed and stored.

Parminder Kaur, an official of the Mandi Board at Dana Mandi near Workshop Chowk, said while the exact figures would be received on Monday, nearly 700-800 MT of crops was procured by various government agencies. Major procurement was conducted at the eight grain market committees in cities.

Farmers will receive Rs 1,975 as the MSP on their crop. The government agencies procuring their crops include PUNSUP, Pungrain, Markfed and Warehouse.