Wheat arrival begins, but procurement yet to commence in Karnal
Wheat arrivals in Karnal mandis have begun, but procurement is stalled due to high moisture content and pending finalisation of labour and transport contracts. Despite government claims of readiness, farmers are anxious as grain lies unsold in the open. Officials assure procurement will begin post-April 8, but growers accuse the administration of using moisture as a pretext for delays.
Wheat has started arriving in the grain markets across the district, but procurement is yet to begin, leaving farmers in a state of uncertainty. The delay is attributed primarily to high moisture content in the crop and the non-finalisation of labour and transport contractors required for lifting and loading operations.
As per data collected by “The Tribune” from the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB), around 852 quintals of wheat arrived in Karnal grain markets on Friday, bringing the total arrival so far to 1,102 quintals. Last year, no wheat had arrived in the markets by this date.
During the 2024 procurement season, the total wheat arrival in the district stood at 7.72 lakh metric tonnes (MT), while in 2023 it was 7.52 lakh MT.
Despite the early arrival this year, farmers are concerned due to lack of procurement. Many are waiting anxiously to sell their produce, which is lying in the open. Labourers hired by commission agents (arhtiyas) were seen spreading the grain under the sun to reduce the moisture content.
Officials confirmed that the delay in procurement was largely due to excess moisture, which exceeded the prescribed limit of 12 per cent. “The moisture content in wheat consignments is higher than allowed. We appeal to farmers to bring only dry and clean wheat to the grain markets, so that there is no delay in procurement,” said Ishwar Rana, District Marketing Enforcement Officer.
He confirmed that mandi arrangements were in place, including clean drinking water, electricity, and designated drying areas. “We have made all arrangements at 23 procurement centres and grain markets,” he added.
Anil Kumar, District Food and Supplies Controller, said the district-level committee had opened price bids for the finalisation of labour and transport contractors, and final approval was pending at the state level.
“The district has completed its part of the process. The bids have been sent to the state-level committee, which is expected to finalise the contractors by April 8. Procurement, along with lifting and loading, will commence soon after,” Kumar added.
Farmers, meanwhile, have expressed optimism about the crop’s quality this year, saying that the yield was better and grain size larger than previous seasons. But they voiced frustration over the delay in procurement, despite the government’s announcement that it would begin from April 1.
“We have brought our produce to the market, but due to moisture content, it is not being purchased yet. High moisture is just an excuse. The authorities are yet to finalise the contractors for labour and transport,” said Amit Kumar, a farmer.
Agricultural experts said harvesting would speed up with the rise in temperatures and the authorities must make appropriate arrangements before that.
High moisture content
*High moisture in grains, non-finalisation of transport and labour contractors among key factors behind delay in procurement
*Around 852 quintals of wheat arrived on Friday. The total arrival so far is 1,102 quintals
*Last year, no arrival was reported until April 4
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Source : The Tribune
