Punjab : Sluggish wheat lifting in Faridkot sparks row, only 33 per cent moved in 27 days
Wheat lifting delays in Faridkot leave stocks exposed, risking quality loss. Only 33% lifted amid contractor disputes and alleged interference. Commission agents bear costs despite limited control, urging urgent action as procurement continues and authorities promise faster movement to prevent further damage.
Sluggish lifting and transportation of procured wheat in Faridkot district has become a major concern for commission agents and food procurement agencies. Delays, attributed to alleged political interference and rivalry between transport and labour contractors, have severely hampered the movement of wheat from mandis to storage godowns.
Large quantities of wheat packed in gunny bags remain exposed to the open sky and intense heat, leading to weight loss and deterioration in quality. Commission agents have expressed strong resentment, saying they are being unfairly held financially responsible for the losses despite the delays being beyond their control.
According to sources, only about 33 per cent of the procured wheat has been lifted from mandis even 27 days into the procurement season. Officials from Food and Supply Department have not commented on the issue, adding to stakeholders’ concerns.
As of Sunday evening, 393,625 metric tonnes of wheat had arrived in district mandis, of which 374,680 MT had been procured by various agencies. Of the procured stock, only 133,708 MT had been lifted so far.
Faridkot DC Poonamdeep Kaur said lifting operations would be accelerated in the coming days to prevent further losses and inconvenience. Despite the assurance, stakeholders remain anxious and have urged immediate intervention to streamline logistics and ensure timely transportation.
Commission agents claim that even the limited quantity moved so far was transported using arrangements made at their own expense. “Contractors seem unconcerned about the delays and resulting losses. We are forced to pay from our own pockets, even though lifting and transportation are the sole responsibility of procurement agencies and their appointed contractors,” they said.
Transportation costs typically follow a distance-based structure, with rates quoted per 50-kg bag or per quintal. For short distances under 10 km, rates range from Rs 5 to Rs 8 per bag, while longer distances within the district cost Rs 10 to Rs 15 per bag, depending on the State Order of Rates and tender conditions. These rates usually cover loading, transportation, unloading and stacking at storage depots.
District Food and Supply Controller Gurjit Singh said PUNGRAIN had procured the maximum wheat in the district at 112,385 MT, followed by Markfed at 98,232 MT, PUNSUP at 85,604 MT, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation at 66,334 MT and private traders at 12,125 MT.
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Source : The Tribune India
