Bathinda: Punjab's wheat procurement is in its final phase, with over 98% of the estimated 122 lakh tonnes having arrived in mandis by Sunday. Of the 119.9 lakh tonnes received, about 118.8 lakh tonnes (99%) has been procured.
However, lifting remains slow, with only 66.3 lakh tonnes (around 56%) moved so far. Officials said 1.16 lakh tonnes remain unsold in mandis.
Private traders' share drops
Private traders' share has dropped to just 1.06%, while the Food Corporation of India (FCI) procured nearly 2% of the total. Bathinda, Sangrur and Patiala reported the highest arrivals.
Procurement details
The state government had set a target of 122 lakh tonnes for the current rabi marketing season. With arrivals exceeding 119 lakh tonnes, the procurement process is nearing completion. However, the slow lifting of procured grain remains a concern for farmers and officials.
Officials are working to expedite the lifting process to ensure timely payments to farmers and free up storage space in mandis for other crops.
