Slow start to procurement as 12% wheat lifted till April 17

Ludhiana: As the wheat procurement started late in Ludhiana district due to the rains recently, latest data suggest that till April 17, around 12% wheat has been procured in the grain markets of the district. Meanwhile, the food and supply department officials claim that even as the procurement season ends in the first half of May, they are hopeful of completing the procurement process within stipulated time. Recently, farmers associations had announced blocking of rail traffic in Jagraon to protest against the problems faced by the farmers in selling their produce even as the unions had later decided to cancel the agitation. Ludhiana district has two circles, including Ludhiana East that covers 39 mandis (grain markets) and Ludhiana West circle that has 69 mandis. As per the latest report of Ludhiana East circle related to wheat procurement till April 17, 12.6% of the target for purchase of wheat in the circle has been achieved. The report indicates that of the 60,379 metric tonnes (MTs) progressive arrival of which the agencies concerned have procured 53,261 MTs that comes to 88.2% for the Ludhiana East circle. Of the 60,379 MTs progressive arrival in the grain markets under the East circle, 22,065 MTs (36.5%) have been lifted.As per the report of wheat procurement for Ludhiana East circle of April 17, 10% of the target for purchase was achieved. The report indicates that of the 44,689 MTs progressive arrival of which the agencies concerned have procured 39,564 (88.5%) for the Ludhiana West circle.