Funds Release by RBI for Wheat procurement

BHOPAL: Rs. 9,500 crore has been released by the Reserve Bank of India as the credit limit for the month of April for wheat procurement on support price. Out of a total of Rs. 11 thousand crore demanded by the government. This is the first installment released for the procurement process for the month of April and funds will be provided whenever required in future. Upto now a sum of Rs. 1138 crore 87 lakh has been paid so far to farmers against wheat procured from them.

The process of releasing funds is made simpler by government and funds will be made available directly to District Cooperative Banks which can release funds as per requirement to the cooperative societies making wheat procurement. Online information will be sought every Monday and Thursday as to how much direct payment to farmers has been made by cooperative societies according to instructions. State Civil Supplies Corporation will release rest due funds by deducting paid-up amounts to the District Cooperative Banks every Monday and Thursday.

According to reports so far, 8 lakh 26 thousand 332 metric tonnes of wheat has been purchased out of this, 5 lakh 98 thousand 628 metric tonnes has been sent to godowns through safe transport.

Additional Chief Secretary Food & Civil Supplies Antony D’sa and Food Commissioner Deepali Rastogi inspected the process by visiting Abgaonkalan centre in Harda district and Harda Krishi Upaj Mandi on Monday. Process of weighing, transportation and storage of wheat were also inspected by them along with the the computer-printed receipts being given to farmers. They talked to farmers and make an enquiry about the availability of gunny bags. Senior officers from Bhopal have also started taking stock of wheat procurement process at the field level from Monday.