Hooda thanks PM for extending wheat procurement period

Chandigarh, June 1 (UNI) Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Deputy Chief Minister Chander Mohan have expressed gratitute towards Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar for extending the period of procurement of wheat during the current Rabi Season up to June 15.

Earlier the scheduled procurement season was from April 1 to May 31.

Mr Chander Mohan said that at the behest of the Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, a letter was written to the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution for extending the period of procurement of wheat as the arrival of the wheat in the mandis had started late.

He said the Central Government was urged to extend the date of procurement so that all the existing benefits could be made available to the farmers and traders in the state.

Mr Chander Mohan said that the Cente had fixed procurement price of wheat as Rs 750 per quintal and a bonus of Rs 100 per quintal was also announced so that the farmers get all benefits till June 15 for procurement of their wheat.

He said with this decision the state government would be able to purchase and procure more wheat for the Central Pool during the rabi season and ensure food security of the country.

UNI