Wheat Piles Up in Punjab Mandis Due to Centre’s Negligence: Harchand Singh Barsat Demands Urgent Lifting

Mohali, May 6, 2025 – Punjab Mandi Board Chairman Harchand Singh Barsat has blamed the Central Government for delays in lifting wheat from the state’s procurement centres, resulting in large heaps of wheat lying exposed in grain markets. He praised the arrangements made under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, saying procurement operations were running smoothly, and farmers were receiving timely payments. However, the Centre and the Food Corporation of India (FCI), responsible for lifting the procured wheat, have failed to act promptly.

Barsat informed that so far, 124.05 lakh metric tonnes of wheat have arrived in the mandis, and 123.35 lakh metric tonnes have been procured. Out of this, 79.36 lakh metric tonnes have been lifted, while 43.99 lakh metric tonnes remain piled up in the markets. On May 5 alone, 1.10 lakh metric tonnes of wheat arrived, and 1.19 lakh metric tonnes were purchased. Farmers have been paid ₹25,821.71 crore so far.

Expressing concern over worsening weather conditions, Barsat warned that inadequate lifting could lead to wheat spoilage. He held the Centre accountable for any loss, stating that the Punjab Government had ensured proper facilities in the mandis, but rain or humidity could damage the grain. He added that people of Punjab see the Centre’s attitude as discriminatory and unjust.

He urged the Central Government to immediately deploy special trains to lift the procured wheat and ensure its delivery to designated locations across the country. He stressed that the Centre and FCI must fulfill their responsibilities so that quality food grain reaches the people.

Barsat highlighted that the Punjab Government has made comprehensive arrangements in the mandis to ensure smooth operations. Facilities like cleanliness, drinking water, restrooms, shade, and seating have been provided for farmers, commission agents, and labourers. A total of 1,865 official procurement centres have been declared, including 152 main yards, 285 sub-yards, and 1,428 purchase centres. Additionally, considering the crop’s inflow, 1,028 temporary mandis have been set up where procurement is ongoing.