Jalandhar: Grain markets aren’t nearly ready for the arrival of wheat, but lifting is about to start

Although wheat is expected to start arriving in Mandis shortly, a number of the district’s grain markets are still filthy and lack even the most basic conveniences, including power and drinkable water. The government has a challenging task, as shown by a visit to the grain markets, even with promises of seamless procurement.

The Jalandhar grain market is in terrible shape, more akin to a landfill than a working center. There were heaps of trash strewn on the road leading to the mandi as well as inside and outside of it. In addition, the primary route leading to the grain market is in a terrible condition, replete with potholes. In addition, toppled billboards highlight even more the lack of readiness. The problem is exacerbated and made more difficult by the existence of stray animals, such as dogs and cattle.

Farmers in the communities bemoaned the lack of power, running water, and sanitary restrooms at the grain markets. Cow excrement cakes and a mishmash of trash at the Adampur grain market indicated that the officials had not cleaned the area in a timely manner. The history of the grain market in Nakodar is comparable.

The formal start of the wheat procurement season was announced by farmer Salwinder Singh on Monday. But because of the recent rain and hailstorms, procurement has been delayed in other areas, such as Jalandhar.

According to him, the administration ought to have made sure the mandis were ready and cleaned beforehand. He bemoaned the fact that farmers often complain about unhygienic conditions during the procurement process, which delays the start of cleaning. In addition, he emphasized how farmers face challenges due to the absence of plans to remove rainwater whenever it rains during the procurement season.

Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal, meanwhile, said that he had previously addressed each of these concerns. He said that while on a recent visit to the Jalandhar mandi, he gave the relevant authorities instructions to address every issue in each mandi within the district.

Aggarwal emphasized that these problems would be quickly handled and that there is still time before procurement starts. He restated that extensive plans had been made to assist farmers, including supplies for potable water, floodlights, a sufficient supply of gunny sacks, and enough restrooms. He said, “All procurement agencies and arhtiyas have also been instructed to keep tarpaulins ready in advance to handle any adverse weather conditions.”