Punjab to break 105 lakh tonnes wheat procurement record

Chandigarh, May 23 (UNI) Punjab is all set to surpass the 105.79 lakh tonnes wheat procurement target of 2001-02 with the six government agencies and private traders having procured 104.52 lakh tonnes till yesterday evening.

Of the total procurement, 98.43 lakh tonnes has been procured for the central pool while 2.98 lakh tonnes was for the state pool.

Around 3.10 lakh tonnes had been purchased by the millers or traders.

Ferozepur district with 12.39 lakh tonnes is leading in procurement operations in the country followed by Sangrur with 9.55 lakh tonnes and Ludhiana with 8.49 lakh tonnes.

The Punjab Government and FCI have made a payment of more than Rs 11,316 crores to the farmers of the state for wheat procured pto May 22, thereby ensuring payment to the farmers within 48 hours of lifting of their wheat.

UNI HS BK AK VC1710