Bhagtanwala grain market gets ready for fresh wheat crop arrival
Despite government claims of readiness, Bhagtanwala Dana Mandi remains underprepared for wheat arrivals, expected after April 15. Potholes, garbage, and overgrown grass mar the market grounds. While officials promise last-minute fixes—cleanliness drives, shade tents, and water—farmers and traders await visible improvements. The government insists arrangements are in place, but on-ground realities tell a different story.
The government claims to have made elaborate arrangements for the arrival of wheat this season but the main wholesale grain market at Bhagtanwala still needs some basic amenities to accommodate the arrival of fresh crop.
Local officials of the Punjab Mandi Board anticipate that the arrival of wheat will commence after April 15. A visit to the Bhagtanwala Dana Mandi here on Friday laid bare the fact that garbage was strewn over the roadside at some places while potholes threaten to become a nightmare for tractor-trailer drivers who would be carrying tonnes of wheat. At several places, grass has sprouted on the concrete and brick paved floor.
Except for a few bags and heaps of paddy, the entire market was lying vacant waiting for the arrival of fresh wheat crop. Labourers were engaged in packing and sorting paddy. Grass and unwanted shrubs have come up on a piece of land inside Bhagtanwala Dana Mandi. A couple of days ago, Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO held a meeting with members of the Arhtiya Association (commission agents) in Jandiala Guru Mandi, assuring them that farmers and arhtiyas would not be allowed to face any problem during wheat procurement. He said that the Punjab government has made all arrangements for wheat procurement and the mandis are fully prepared for this.
He said that wheat procurement in Majha area gets a little delayed whereas wheat procurement in Malwa is likely to start in the coming week, for which the Punjab government has made adequate arrangements. He asserted that procurement agencies and Mandi Board officials are fully prepared for proper marketing of crops cultivated by farmers with great effort.
Mandi Officer Amandeep Singh said wheat arrival is expected to begin between April 15 to 20 and the quantity would be small but the arrival is expected to pick up later.
Amandeep Singh said all arrangements have been made and patches would be laid on the potholes in the coming days. A contractor would also be hired to ensure cleanliness by regularly lifting the garbage. Tents to provide shade from sunlight, additional light and potable water would be made available in mandis a couple of days before the arrival of wheat, he added.
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Source : The Tribune
