Punjab education and PWD minister Mr. Vijay Inder Singla, on Thursday, said that despite the challenges and threats of Covid-19 spread in Punjab, the procurement process is underway smoothly and Sangrur district once again has emerged as leader of Punjab in wheat crop production. He also lauded the efforts of farmersof the district and other stakeholders including laborers, commission agents, purchasing staff for contributing maximum share in the foodgrain bowl of the state. He said that in the first 8 days, Sangrur has purchased around 10 percent wheat of the state. Mr. Singla said that besides of efforts of the government, the farmers also cooperated with the administration to carry out smooth procurement process in Sangrur.Mr. Vijay Inder Singla said that till April 22, 2,146,046 metric ton wheat crop have been procured in Punjab out of which more than 301,356 mt have been purchased in district Sangrur. He added that 181,317 metric ton, which is more than 60 percent of total purchase of Sangrur, has been lifted.
The cabinet minister said that Chief Minister Captian Amarinder Singh has always ensured hassle free procurement during his tenure and once again, he has kept his promise by standing by the farmers to purchase their crop in the crucial time due to coronavirus contamination threat. He added that despite the coronavirus threat, the procurement process is underway at rapid pace and it might be the fastest procurement within first 8 days of commencement of government purchase in Punjab's history.Mr. Vijay Inder Singla said that due to the Covid-19 spread, the state government had to impose some restrictions to maintain social distancing in the grain markets but these are also resulting positive for farmers as they are able to sell their produce without any difficulties. He assured that the procurement will continue in quick and fair manner till the procurement of last grain brought by the farmers in the markets.Mr. Singla also appealed the farmers to follow the norms laid by the government to defeat the coronavirus and asked them to maintain social distancing in the grain markets. He said that proper facilities including food, water, and healthcare at mandis has also been made available to ensure hygiene and avoid the spread of COVID-19.