In Fazilka market, resentment over tardy wheat purchase

Fazilka, April 14

Resentment is brewing among farmers over the slow procurement of wheat in Fazilka, one of the largest grain markets in the region.

Notwithstanding tall claims of the administration for hassle-free procurement, the process could not be undertaken properly for more than one reasons despite the fact that the arrival began on April 10.

Official sources said 34,825 tonne wheat had arrived in Fazilka district till today, out of which only 10,279 tonne had been procured by the government agencies.

Only 70 tonne was purchased till Tuesday evening, while the remaining 10,209 tonne was procured today itself. Lifting has not begun so far.

“The administration had assured farmers that their produce would be procured within one day after it was brought to the grain market, but I have been sitting here for the past five days, awaiting procurement,” said Ranjeet Ram of Muthianwali village who had brought 300 quintal wheat to the market.

“The state government’s claim of hassle-free procurement has proved hollow,” alleged another farmer Harbans Singh of Kotha Lukmanpur village in Fazilka district. He came to the Fazilka grain market with 250 quintals of wheat.

Officials said the procurement began at a slow pace due to a technical glitch in the portal offering the direct transfer of the payment into the accounts of farmers. — OC