Ajnala: The Punjab Government has officially started the procurement of wheat in major grain markets of Ajnala with great enthusiasm. The procurement drive was inaugurated by Aam Aadmi Party’s state chief spokesperson, MLA, and former minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal.
The procurement process began in Ajnala’s main grain market as well as mandis in Chamiari, Sudhar, and near Ramdas, where farmers have brought their rabi crop of wheat for sale.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dhaliwal said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is fully committed to safeguarding the interests of farmers, commission agents, and laborers. He assured that proper arrangements have been made to ensure the procurement of every single grain of wheat arriving in mandis across Punjab, including Ajnala.
He emphasized that government agencies, commission agents, and laborers are working in coordination to ensure a smooth procurement process.
Dhaliwal also criticized the Central Government, accusing it of adopting an anti-Punjab stance and neglecting the interests of farmers, commission agents, and laborers. He stated that despite the Centre’s approach, the Punjab Government will not allow farmers to face any inconvenience during procurement.
He further revealed that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had raised key issues with Union Food and Civil Supplies Minister Pralhad Joshi, including relaxation in procurement norms for discolored wheat affected by unseasonal rains and hailstorms, increased compensation for crop losses, enhancement of commission for agents to 2.5% on MSP rates, release of ₹9,000 crore Rural Development Fund, and financial relief for farmers adopting eco-friendly stubble management practices.
However, he expressed disappointment that despite assurances, the Central Government has not taken concrete action on these demands.
Highlighting Punjab’s proactive steps, Dhaliwal said that the state has become the first in the country to provide compensation of ₹20,000 per acre for crops damaged due to natural disasters. He also noted a 94% reduction in stubble burning incidents, earning Punjab national recognition.
He added that around 5 lakh metric tonnes of wheat have already arrived in mandis across the state, out of which nearly 1 lakh tonnes have been procured at MSP so far.
The government has ensured that payments for procured wheat will be credited to farmers’ bank accounts within 24 hours, while lifting of the crop will be completed within 72 hours.
During the event, Dhaliwal also honored farmers, officials of procurement agencies, and members of market committees.
Several dignitaries, including Khushpal Singh Dhaliwal, Advocate Amandeep Kaur Dhaliwal, Chairman Baldev Singh Babbu Chetanpura, Market Committee Secretary Amardeep Singh Kaura, Mandi Supervisor Kabal Singh Sandhu, Nagar Panchayat President Bhatti Jaspal Singh Dhillon, and others, were present.
