CHANDIGARH: The Punjab has contributed 35 lakh tonnes more to the central pool till date this year.This was stated here Sunday by Mr.Adesh Partap Singh Kairon minister for Food and Civil Supplies. Punjab has contributed 95,35,273 tonnes of wheat against 60,96,462 tonnes contributed to the central pool in last Rabi season till May 10.

Mr.Kairon added that though their was a minor increase in area under wheat  from 34.67 lac hectares to 34.80 lac hectares this year but wheat procurement in 1623 procurement centers has already touched the mark of 100,98,803 tonnes till May 10 against 73,61,133 tonnes procured last year.

He said that out of 100,98,803 tonnes procured till date 95,35,273 tonnes (94.4%) has been procured for the central pool and 2,80,038 tonnes (2.8%)  for the State pool whereas traders lifted 283492 tonnes of wheat.

The minister said that  till May 10, PUNGRAIN had procured 17,80,238 tonnes (18.7%) whereas MARKFED procured 22,85,863 tonnes (24%). PUNSUP procured 21, 93, 424 tonnes (23%), PSWC procured 11, 69,233  onnes (12.3%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 10, 79,398 tonnes (11.3%) of wheat for the central pool. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 10, 26,617tonnes (10.8%) for the central pool.

He added that Ferozepur District with 11,74,915 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas Sangrur District with 9,43,036 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and  Ludhiana district with 8,39,262 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.

The Punjab Government allocated more than Rs. 11,116 crores to the agencies for making payment to the farmers for wheat procured up to May10, 2008 ensuring payment to the farmers within 48 hours of lifting
of their wheat.

The State Government has set up over 1623 procurement centers and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat.