In order to ensure smooth and hassle free procurement of paddy crops at the district grain markets, the Deputy Commissioner Mrs Ashika Jain visited Banur Mandi, today, afternoon. While reviewing the ongoing procurement operations, the Deputy Commissioner said that about 77,573 MTs of paddy has arrived in the markets of the district so far, out of which 76,091 MTs have been purchased by various procurement agencies. She further informed that 44,874 MTs of paddy have been lifted from the grain markets and about Rs 162 crore has been disbursed to farmers through direct transfer to their bank accounts.
Mrs Jain further said that 28,357 MT of paddy was purchased by Pungrain while 18,499 MTs by Markfed apart from 17,092 MTs by Punsup. Similarly, 10,733 MTs have been procured by Punjab Warehouse Corporation and 1410 MTs by FCI. On asking upon the farmers of the procurement related problems, all the farmers expressed satisfaction over the operations.
The Deputy Commissioner assured the farmers of letting any problem regarding fertilizer as there is no dearth of fertilizers. The supply of Fertilizer is being sent to cooperative societies on priority basis so that farmers can get fertilizer as soon as possible. Besides, she said that whatever problems there are regarding the infrastructure of Banur Mandi, they will be resolved after the paddy season on priority.
Motivating the farmers of the district, the Deputy Commissioner said that the problem of stubble burning is very serious. While the environment is polluted by setting the stubble on fire, it also reduces the fertility of the agricultural land and there is also apprehension of accidents due to the smoke caused by setting fire.
The Deputy Commissioner appealed them to use the agricultural machinery available for the management of crop residues in the district. She asked them to call district level control room working from 8 to 8 in a day, for making availability of the Machinery in their vicinity by dialing 0172-2219505, 2219506.