Amritsar MP Flags Poor Wheat Lifting and Storage Arrangements at Mandi
Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla on Wednesday expressed serious concern over the inadequate arrangements for wheat lifting and storage at the grain market in Amritsar. During a surprise inspection of the mandi, Aujla found that wheat stocks were lying in the open, exposed to the elements, and that lifting operations were moving at a sluggish pace. He immediately directed the concerned officials to expedite the process and ensure proper storage facilities to prevent any damage to the crop.
Inspection Reveals Lapses
The MP visited the grain market to assess the situation firsthand after receiving complaints from farmers about delays in procurement and storage. He observed that several piles of wheat were covered only with tarpaulins, which were insufficient to protect the grain from rain and moisture. Aujla also noted that the number of labourers engaged in lifting operations was insufficient, leading to bottlenecks. He urged the market committee and the Food and Civil Supplies Department to deploy additional workers and machinery to speed up the process.
Farmers present at the mandi expressed their frustration, stating that they had been waiting for days to sell their produce. They complained that the slow lifting was causing congestion and forcing them to incur additional expenses on transportation and labor. Aujla assured them that he would take up the matter with the state government and the central agencies to ensure that their grievances are addressed promptly.
Demand for Better Infrastructure
The MP also called for long-term measures to improve the infrastructure at the grain market. He stressed the need for covered storage sheds, better drainage systems, and modern weighing scales to facilitate smooth operations. Aujla said that the current facilities were inadequate to handle the volume of wheat arriving during the harvest season. He promised to write to the Chief Minister and the Union Food Minister seeking funds for the upgradation of the mandi.
Meanwhile, the district administration assured the MP that steps would be taken to clear the backlog within the next 24 hours. Officials said that additional labour and equipment have been arranged and that the lifting process would be monitored regularly. Aujla warned that he would conduct follow-up inspections to ensure that the situation improves.
The issue of poor wheat lifting and storage has been a recurring problem in Punjab, with farmers often facing losses due to delayed procurement and inadequate facilities. The MP's intervention is expected to bring some relief to the growers in Amritsar.
