The Punjab Government has decided to go in for strict action against the unscrupulous elements trying to sell the wheat again in Punjab on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) after purchasing the same on lesser rates from the other states. Disclosing this here today, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak said that the MSP is only for the farmers and not for those traders who purchase the produce of the farmers at exorbitant rates and then sell the same in the Mandis to earn handsome profits which is nothing but sheer organized loot of the precious Government funds and taxpayers money.The minister further pointed out that the DGP has been asked to put up Nakas or check posts at the borders of the State besides going in for thorough checking of all the trucks laden with wheat, entering Punjab.
"Any unscrupulous element would not be spared", said the Minister also appealing to the farmers, NGOs, and the general public to assist the State Government in identifying any such element who tried to sell wheat in the mandis in an illegal manner.Apprising about the preparations concerning the approaching Kharif Marketing Season, the Minister said that all the necessary arrangements have been made with more than 2300 mandis fully geared up to receive farmers from April 1. The State has also received 'Bardana' in ample measure with robust arrangements being put in place regarding transportation and labour.The minister exhorted the farmers to bring dry produce in the grain market so as to make sure that the precious time is not wasted in drying it before purchase. The Government would buy every single bale of farmers' produce and won't let them encounter any difficulty, added the Minister.