Ensure concrete arrangements for wheat procurement and early payment to farmers
Bhopal: Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed to ensure concrete arrangements for wheat procurement and early payment to farmers. He also directed to make advance arrangements for adequate gunny bags, transport and storage before commencement of procurement.
Shri Chouhan reviewed preparations for ensuing wheat procurement here today. The meeting was informed that about 200 lakh MT wheat is expected to be procured this year. Registration of farmers for wheat procurement is on and will continue till February 15.
Last year, 174 lakh MT wheat was produced in the state. Due to delay in monsoon this year, sowing operations were made in 58 lakh 12 thousand hectares compared to 59 lakh 70 thousand hectares last year. Despite a little lesser sowing this year, farmers are expecting bumper yield. Support price for wheat procurement was Rs. 1400 per quintal, which has been increased to Rs. 1450 per quintal this year.
The meeting was informed that arrangements for gunny bags, transport and storage have been made keeping in view estimated one lakh MT wheat procurement this year. Arrangements will be made to make available payments to farmers within maximum 7 days. As many as 3000 procurement centres will be established.
Chief Secretary Shri Anthony de Sa, Agriculture Production Commissioner Shri R.K. Swai, Principal Secretary Food & Civil Supplies Shri Ashok Warnwal and Principal Secretary Cooperatives Shri Ajit Kesari were also present on the occasion.
