Punjab expected to procure 132 lakh metric tons wheat: Chief Secretary
Chandigarh, April 21 (IANS) Punjab is expected to procure 132 lakh metric tons wheat, out of which 17.14 lakh metric tons have already been acquired, Chief Secretary Anurag Verma said on Sunday. Presiding over an emergency meeting with all Deputy Commissioners to take stock of the ongoing wheat procurement arrangements and the damaged crop due to unseasonal weather, he said 13.23 lakh metric tons of wheat has been purchased by procurement agencies and farmers have been paid Rs 898 crore so far.
The Chief Secretary ordered the Deputy Commissioners to ensure the crops brought by the farmers to the procurement centres were purchased immediately, and payment of the purchased crop should be ensured in the farmers’ account within 48 hours.
He also ordered the Deputy Commissioners to send a report regarding the loss to farmers due to recent rains.
The Chief Secretary said special trains are being arranged daily in coordination with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and till April 20, 61,000 metric tons of wheat had been sent.
On Monday, 26 special trains will be run for wheat transportation.
This is good news for Punjab and India’s wheat production! Here’s a breakdown of the information:
- Punjab: A major agricultural state in northern India, known for its contribution to the country’s wheat production.
- 132 lakh metric tons: The estimated amount of wheat that Punjab expects to procure this season. “Lakhs” is a term used in the Indian subcontinent to represent a hundred thousand. So, 132 lakh metric tons is equivalent to 132 million metric tons.
- Chief Secretary: The highest-ranking administrative officer in the state government of Punjab. In this case, the Chief Secretary is Anurag Verma [1, 2].
This statement suggests that Punjab is expecting a good wheat harvest this year. Here are some additional points to consider:
- Procurement: This refers to the process where government agencies purchase wheat from farmers at a minimum support price (MSP) set by the government. This ensures a fair return for farmers and helps maintain buffer stocks for food security.
- Current Status: As of April 23rd, 2024, Punjab has already procured 17.14 lakh metric tons of wheat [1, 2].
- Challenges: Unseasonal rains might have damaged some crops, and ensuring timely payment to farmers and smooth transportation are crucial aspects for successful procurement [1, 2].
Overall, Punjab’s expected wheat procurement is a positive sign for India’s food security.