Wheat procurement stalled at Fazilka mandi
Friday, 04/05/2012
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120504/punjab.htm#3
Notwithstanding tall claims of the state government for smooth procurement of Rabi crop, grain markets have been facing a shortage of gunny bags for procurement. In Ladhuka grain market, one of the leading purchase centres of Fazilka subdivision, where wheat arrival had already touched the 2,11,500 quintals mark, the procurement process lies stalled after April 28 due to non-availability of gunny bags.
Sources said two procurement agencies, including the Food Corporation of India and the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation, had been assigned the procurement job at this market. But, the Warehousing Corporation did not start the process whereas the Food Corporation of India had to stop it after April 28 due to non-availability of gunny bags. Sources said at least 50,000 gunny bags would be required to clear the backlog.
Another procuring agency, Punjab Agro, is struggling to get gunny bags for the Fazilka grain market. Nearly 20,000 gunny bags are required by the Markfed for Kheowali Dhab Purchase Centre in Fazilka subdivision. Fazilka Market Committee secretary Vijay Madaan said some bundles of empty gunny bags had been sent to Ladhuka to overcome the shortage.
So far, 19,18,055 quintals of wheat had arrived in Fazilka grain market and associated purchase centres. Of this, 7,68,203 quintals was awaiting lifting.
Procurement may cross target
The wheat procurement figure has crossed the 100-lakh tonnes figure and if officials connected with the process are to be believed, the target may have to be revised upwards from the present 108 lakh tones. "The procurement may cross 115 lakh tonnes or even touch 120 lakh tonnes," a government official said. The favourable weather in February and March is to be credited for the rise in production.
