State News

Madhya Pradesh records highest wheat procurement in the country

15 June 2020, New Delhi: Madhya Pradesh has set a new record in the country in procurement of wheat at support price. Till June 15, one crore 29 lakh 28 thousand metric tonnes of wheat has been procured in Madhya Pradesh. This is an all-time record in wheat procurement by any state in the country.

The state government has safely transported one crore 25 lakh metric tonnes of procured wheat to the warehouses, which is 97 percent of the total procurement. So far, 100 percent transportation work has been completed in 45 districts. Transportation work is being undertaken in the remaining 7 districts at a fast pace. In Indore and Ujjain districts, transportation work is being undertaken on a war footing by engaging both the agencies Markfed and Civil Supplies Corporation. Payment of about Rs 22 thousand crores has been deposited against the procured wheat in the accounts of 14 lakh 88 thousand farmers.

Related News: Wheat procurement exceeds target in Madhya Pradesh

The Madhya Pradesh government formulated an effective strategy for the procurement of wheat. Arrangements of gunny bags and storage were made, setting a target of 100 lakh metric tonnes more than the procurement made last year. Procurement work started late from April 15 due to the adverse circumstances caused by Covid-19 lockdown. Additional storage of 10 lakh metric tonnes was arranged while working in lockdown.

The number of procurement centres were increased to 4 thousand 529 against 3 thousand 545 opened last year. While adhering to social distancing, the system of sending SMS to farmers was ensured so that only those farmers who received the SMS reached the procurement centre. In view of the challenge of completing the purchase at the right time, for the first time, the collectors were given the facility to decide the SMS number at each centre.