Wheat Oversupply in Haryana Mandis Raises Concerns: Review Meeting Held to Expedite Procurement

In Haryana's Hisar, the grain markets are filled with an abundant supply of wheat, causing a stir among officials. The Deputy Commissioner, Pradeep Dahiya, chaired a review meeting on Saturday to assess the procurement arrangements for wheat and other crops. Various departments, including Agriculture, Food Supply, and Market Committees, were present to discuss the progress of wheat procurement, payment to farmers, and lifting operations.

According to Dahiya, last year saw approximately 18,000 metric tons of wheat being lifted in a day. This year, the goal is to lift 20,000 metric tons within a day or two. The latest figures reveal that a total of 1,81,541 metric tons of wheat has been purchased so far, with 40,440 metric tons already lifted from the mandis. 

However, the wheat oversupply poses logistical challenges, particularly with the shortage of migrant labourers, mainly from Bihar. Many labourers have stayed back in Bihar due to ongoing elections, affecting the loading and unloading operations in grain markets across Haryana. 

Pawan Garg, a former president of a grain market association, highlighted the impact of the election on labour migration. He stated that the shortage of migrant labour has slowed down the lifting process, especially in districts like Bhiwani and Hisar, where only a fraction of the procured wheat has been lifted. The Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department have expressed concern over the slow pace of wheat lifting from mandis. In a letter to all Deputy Commissioners, they emphasised the need to accelerate the process to avoid potential damage to wheat due to forecasted rain.

To address the labour shortage and speed up operations, district officials have been directed to engage additional transporters and arhtiyas (commission agents). Furthermore, arrangements are being made to ensure the 24-hour functioning of storage godowns operated by procurement agencies.

The situation calls for swift action to streamline wheat procurement and lifting operations to mitigate losses and ensure timely payments to farmers. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to overcome the challenges posed by the wheat oversupply in Haryana's grain markets.