Punjab, Haryana procure nearly 155 lakh tonnes of wheat

Despite initial concerns of damage to wheat crop due to erratic weather conditions in March and April, food grain states Punjab and Haryana have procured nearly 155 lakh tonnes of wheat this season, officials of both states said here on Wednesday.

In Punjab, over 91.73 lakh tonnes of wheat has been procured.

Government agencies procured over 88.89 lakh tonnes of wheat for the central pool. The rest, 1.33 lakh tonnes, has been procured by private traders.

Punjab is looking at a reduced procurement target of 110 lakh tonnes compared to last year's procurement of 119.31 lakh tonnes.

The Punjab government had drawn flak from farmers and opposition parties, especially the Congress, for tardy procurement of wheat this year. Farmers, who had to suffer due to damage to crops following unseasonal rains last month, have complained that their stocks were not being procured properly.

In neighbouring Haryana, over 62.54 lakh tonnes of wheat has been procured against a target of 65 lakh tonnes fixed this season.

Haryana Food and Supplies Minister Ram Bilas Sharma said wheat procurement was 2.13 lakh tonnes higher compared to the procurement made up to the same day last year.

Sirsa, Karnal and Fatehabad districts were leading in wheat procurement in Haryana.