Minister blames Centre for ‘glut-like’ situation in mandis

Chandigarh: Blaming the Centre for the shortage of storage space for food grains in the state, Punjab food, civil supplies and consumer affairs minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Wednesday claimed that the required number of special trains for transporting wheat grain had not been deployed, resulting in a "glut-like" situation in mandis.The minister said the Centre and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) were requested to provide 860 special trains during April and May.A sufficient number of special trains were not provided by the FCI. Also, an unprecedented 80 LMT of wheat arrived in mandis over a week. This has led to the glut-like situation in the mandis, Kataruchak added.During April, 3.5 LMT wheat grain has been moved directly from mandis through rail and road containers. Only 3-5 direct delivery specials (special trains) have been provided daily since the start of May, he said."Despite these constraints, the state govt has ensured a hassle-free procurement season and is nearing the target of procuring 122 LMT of wheat. As of now, the arrival stands at 121.65 LMT, out of which 120.89 LMT stands procured," said the minister.Till Tuesday evening, the govt agencies had procured 119.56 LMT, while the traders procured 1,33,203.15 MT of wheat, he added.MSID:: 130856897 413 |
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