DC reviews paddy procurement arrangements at Patiala district mandis

Tribune News Service

Patiala, October 20

Reviewing the arrangements for paddy procurement at mandis in the district during a meeting with procurement agencies, Mandi Board officials, tehsildars and agriculture officials this morning, Patiala Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Hans asked them not to compromise with moisture content specifications.

He said as the district administration had already issued prohibitory orders for harvester combines not to work after 7 pm and before 10 am. “The concerned executive magistrates should ensure compliance of these orders”, he directed.

The Deputy Commissioner said to avoid inconvenience to farmers in procurement process, it’s our prime responsibility to ensure proper check on arrival of produce as per moisture content specifications.

He said as per the weather changes taking place in wake of decrease in temperature, the moisture content would also increase if continue harvesting in the wee hours. “So, we should exhort the farmers to avoid harvesting in wee hours in order to ensure moisture content and other specifications as per the specifications laid by the Central Government”, he said.

DFSC Gurpreet Singh Kang while briefing the Deputy Commissioner of the arrival and procurement status in the mandis, said that so far a total of 3.06 lakh MT of paddy has been procured while 93 per cent of the purchased produce has been lifted. “Similarly, 89 per cent of payment has been done, so far”, he said.

Hans further reviewed the working of nine flying squads deputed to check the influx of paddy from other states. These flying squads are being led by executive magistrates.

So far a total of 2,053 vehicles have been checked by these flying squad and five FIRs have been lodged.