Inadequate Storage Facilities Leave Farmers in Sangrur Disappointed

Harjinder Singh, Lehra block press secretary of the BKU (Ugrahan) said, “Wheat lifting is slow. It seems the authorities want the grains to dry first. The recent rain and hailstorm spoiled wheat kept in the open in several villages. This has revealed the lack of the administration’s preparedness to procure wheat. The government should look after the issue.”

Two days ago, hailstorms and rain lashed villages in the Lehra block and on March 31, there was heavy rain and hailstorm in many villages.

According to the official figures, a total of 7,36,777 metric tonnes (MT) of wheat arrived in several grain markets of Malerkotla and Sangrur districts last evening.

A total of 7,36,637 MT of the yield has been purchased by government agencies and private parties. Of this, Pungrain has purchased 2,78,091 MT, MT, Punsup 1,24,150 MT, FCI 5,800 MT, Markfed 1,71,076, Warehouse 73,420 MT, and private traders 84,100 MT so far.

Out of the total purchased wheat, the authorities have lifted 3,46,101 MT while the remaining 3,90,536 MT is lying in several grain markets. Pungrain has lifted 1,19,195 MT, FCI 1,922 MT, Punsup 46,290 MT, Markfed 63,386 MT, Warehouse 31,208 MT, and private traders have lifted all wheat they purchased.

“As there is recurring rain and hailstorm in the district, the Punjab Government should augment wheat lifting to make space for the arrival of fresh yield. As the wheat is getting wet repeatedly, its quality will also be impacted. Nihal Singh, another farmer of the area said that ultimately, the farmers and the government will have to bear the losses.”

Jaspal Singh Ghuman, District Mandi Officer said that he had not received any complaint about the shortage of tarpaulins to cover wheat. He said if any farmer was facing problems, he should contact his office. “On April 20, 61,338 MT of wheat was lifted from several grain markets. On April 19 and on April 18, 60,930 MT and 47,661 MT of wheat were lifted, respectively in the district. Daily, wheat lifting is increasing,” said Ghuman.