DC visits Asia's largest grain market, interacts with farmers and Arhityas

Khanna (Ludhiana), September 28, 2024: Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal on Saturday visited Asia's largest grain market to review the arrangements and directed the officials to ensure smooth conduct of entire procurement operations with an aim to facilitate farmers bringing their produce in Mandis from October 1.

SSP Ashwini Gotyal, SDM Dr Baljinder Singh Dhillon, and a battery of senior officials of Food and Civil supplies and procurement agencies also accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner. 

The DC stated that this year as many as 18 lakh metric tonne paddy is expected to arrive across all 146 purchase centres in the district and elaborate arrangements have been been put in place to procure every single grain. He reiterated his commitment of ensuring a smooth and hassle-free procurement operation  with prime focus on facilitating farmers.

Jorwal added that arrangements like availability of potable water, cleanliness, lighting, shades, tarpaulins, besides others are already made by the officials. Stressing on lifting and payment to farmers, he directed the officials that every effort must be made to ensure timely payments to farmers as all payments will be made within 48 hours of purchase while lifting within 72 hours. There is no dearth of Bardana in Mandis which will lead towards a hassle-free season for farmers, he mentioned.

The DC also interacted with some of the farmers present on the occasion and took their valuable feedback about arrangements made by the officials at grain markets. 

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner, SSP and other officials also held meeting with Arhtiyas and assured them speedy redressal of all issues. 

Later, the Deputy Commissioner and SSP with senior officials also presided over an awareness camp in Bhmaddi village and encouraged the farmers not to resort to the stubble burning practice. Deputy Commissioner said that due to the burning of paddy stubble, several major nutrients and other micro nutrients of soil get destroyed whereas the soil health improves drastically if the residue of straw is mixed in the soil. He added that as the smog from the fire can further aggravate health problems. She stated that the district administration is making concerted efforts to curb farm fire incidents in the district.