Lok Sabha Elections: Govt to start procurement of wheat at support price early
MUMBAI: While the farmers of the country are agitating on one side to put pressure on the government for their various demands, including support price, the government plans to start buying wheat at the support price early in the current season.
Generally, procurement of wheat at support price starts from 1st April, but for the current season states have been allowed to start procurement earlier. Keeping this fact in mind, procurement of wheat by government agencies is likely to start anytime after March 1.
This step of the government is believed to have come in view of the Lok Sabha elections, said a local trader.
Food Secretary Sanjiv Chopra made it clear that despite farmers' agitation, the support price will not affect the purchase of wheat.
Punjab and Haryana produce the most wheat in the country and the farmers of these states are involved in the movement. The condition of the wheat crop in the current season in the country is good and temperature has not affected the production.
The government has estimated the production of wheat to be 11.40 crore tonnes in the current year. However, the amount to be purchased at the support price has not yet been announced.
Sources in the Ministry of Food said that the government is also prepared to open more procurement centers in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in the current year keeping in mind the farmers' movement.
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