Malerkotla: DC warns authorities not to let procurement of wheat slip

Officials from a number of procurement organizations and market committees have received warnings not to neglect organizing for the lifting and purchase of wheat harvests that are being fetched in the region’s grain marketplaces and buy centers.

It is the responsibility of government employees from several ministries overseeing the purchase, transportation, and payment of the goods to make sure that no farmer is subjected to harassment during his short visit to the grain markets.

The administration listed prior arrangements for sufficient bardana, transport, laborers, and rain covers to shield the crop heaps from weather adversaries; well-equipped labor to clean the wheat; and sufficient availability of civic amenities for the farmers to stay in dignity as some of its main areas of focus. Deputy Commissioner Pallavi of Malerkotla stated that by buying and raising farmers’ output from grain markets according to a set timetable, the district administration has taken preemptive steps to ensure a hassle-free and easy wheat procurement season.

During a meeting of senior functionaries of various procurement agencies at her office, Pallavi reviewed the status of procurements at grain markets in Malerkotla, Amargarh, and Ahmedgarh subdivisions. She said the officials concerned had been advised not to shirk their responsibility to ensure smooth procurement under the guise of being preoccupied with election-related schedules.

“Although we have already put in place sufficient measures to ensure the efficient collection and transportation of the produce that farmers bring in, the relevant staff has been asked to exercise extra caution due to the hectic schedules of the farmers and their assistants,” stated Pallavi, who insisted that errors would not be allowed at any point during the entire process.

Drawing parallels with the procurement process from past seasons, the DC said that authorities had been warned about a potential oversupply resulting from delayed harvesting because of weather-related challenges. She also said that they had been advised to draw up their socks in preparation for any unanticipated big delivery of wheat in the next few weeks.