Wheat procurement picks up amid complaints of mismanagement in some mandis

Shortage of jute bags, 100-trolley rule among several issues farmers, who are being forced to stand in long queues, awaiting their turn to sell

After initial hiccups, procurement of wheat has picked up in major growing states amid complaints of mismanagement while implementing the Covid-19 guidelines in some mandis, due to which farmers have been forced to stand in long queues awaiting their turn to sell.

The sudden turn of weather and unseasonal rains in north India the past few days have added on to their worries.

Wheat is largely procured from Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan in the rabi season by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state agencies on behalf of FCI.

In total, the Central government plans