Uninterrupted procurement in all mandis; central teams arrive in the state: Lal Chand Kataruchak
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in
Uninterrupted procurement continues in all the Mandis in Punjab where the procurement staff is actively engaged in purchase of the farmers produce. Disclosing this today, Lal Chand Kataruchak, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister stated that today morning, following a meeting of the Joint Coordination Committee of procurement staff with senior officials of the department, the call for strike was withdrawn and procurement operations continued unabated across the State.
While replying to a question on revision in the norms for shrivelled grain, the Minister said that the Central Teams constituted for its assessment have arrived in the State and their reports are expected to be submitted tomorrow. The State Procurement Agencies have been directed to extend all possible cooperation to these teams so that they are able to submit their report at the earliest, he added.
It may be noted that due to extreme heat conditions the wheat grain has shrivelled in many places and the grain coming in some Mandis contains shrivelled grain beyond the permissible limit of 6%. The teams constituted by the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, shall are expected to gain a first hand assessment of the extent of shrivelled grain arriving in the Mandis which will then help the Government of India in taking a final decision on grant of appropriate relaxation in the specifications.
Uninterrupted procurement in all mandis; central teams arrive in the state: Lal Chand Kataruchak. The Minister reiterated that it is unfair to hold the farmer responsible for any change in appearance of the grain, especially when such changes are dictated by natural causes beyond human control. He appealed to the farmers to remain patient until the Central Government gives the requisite relaxation.
April 13,2022
