Punjab: Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said here today that all preparations have been made for wheat procurement in 1,864 grain markets across the state. He said farmers coming to the markets will not face any problem as all arrangements have been made including drinking water, gunny bags, fans, transport facilities, sanitation and accommodation. He said no leave will be granted to the procurement staff during the procurement period. After reviewing the preparations in a meeting with officials of Ludhiana, Moga, Faridkot, Ferozepur and Barnala districts, the minister said the state is expecting a bumper crop this year and has a target to procure 124 lakh metric tonnes of wheat. He said the state has arranged for a cash credit limit of Rs 28,894 crore and has also ensured adequate supply of gunny bags besides ensuring adequate storage space and containers. He said the state has also set up 600 temporary yards in addition to the regular ones. He promised the farmers that payment would be made into their accounts within 24 hours of selling wheat and the MSP has been fixed at Rs 2,425 per quintal.
