07-05-2025
Centre's negligence causing wheat backlog in Punjab markets: Punjab Mandi Board chief
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Mohali: Wheat stocks are piling up in Punjab's markets due to the central government's failure to arrange timely transportation, alleged Harchand Singh Barsat , chairman of the Punjab Mandi Board in statement on Tuesday. He criticised the Centre for its inaction and urged immediate intervention to prevent spoilage of procured said that while a total of 124.05 lakh metric tons (LMT) of wheat has arrived in the state's markets, 123.35 LMT has already been only 79.36 LMT has been lifted so far, leaving a significant backlog of 43.99 LMT, which is still lying in the mandis. He called on the central government and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to arrange special trains urgently for wheat transportation."Farmers are receiving timely payments, and market arrangements have been streamlined," said Barsat. "Despite these efforts, the central government's negligence in lifting the purchased wheat threatens to undo the hard work of the Punjab administration."On May 5 alone, 1.10 LMT of wheat arrived in the state's markets, and 1.19 LMT was procured. So far, farmers have been paid Rs 25,821.71 crore for their produce. But with unpredictable weather patterns looming, the unlifted stock is at risk of damage."The central government's failure to act promptly is causing the grain to get wet, despite our adequate arrangements. If this continues, they will be solely responsible for the losses," Barsat also emphasised the perception among Punjabis that the Centre's attitude towards the state is discriminatory. "The FCI and central authorities must take immediate responsibility to ensure quality grain reaches the people," he said, reiterating the demand for special trains to expedite the lifting highlighted that the Mandi Board has announced 1,865 permanent procurement markets across Punjab, including 152 main yards, 285 sub-yards, and 1,428 procurement centres. Also, 1,028 temporary markets have been set up to accommodate the bumper wheat such as drinking water, toilets, cleanliness, and shaded seating have been arranged to ensure the comfort of farmers, labourers, and commission agents. However, without immediate action from the Centre, these efforts may fall short in safeguarding the harvested wheat.
