UP farmers give wheat procurement centres a miss, govt concerned
India Today
The footfall of farmers at wheat procurement centres has been worryingly low this season, casting doubt on the UP government's target to hit a record high this season.
Two weeks in, the usually noisy, bustling wheat procurement centres were oddly quiet at many locations across Uttar Pradesh. A handful of farmers came to the centres, not to buy wheat but to gather information. The footfall of farmers at these government-run procurement centres has been worryingly low this season. Given the current state of affairs, the state government’s target to hit record high in wheat procurement by June 15, 2022 seems like a distant dream.
From Barabanki and Etawah, to Etah, Meerut and Deoria, very few farmers showed up to weigh their wheat at district procurement centres. Most of the centres are lagging behind in achieving their target, India Today found. This, despite the Food Marketing Department arranging forks, banners, sieves as well as pure drinking water at the hubs.
After a hike of Rs 45, the MSP of wheat is Rs 2,015 per quintal; out of this Rs 20 has to be given for maintenance, making it Rs 1,995 per quintal for the farmer. On the other hand, wheat is selling at Rs 2,030-2,040 in the market, giving a better margin for the farmer, and resulting in low turnout at procurement centres.
READ | Russia-Ukraine war impact: India eyes increase in wheat exports
The Naveen mandi in Barabanki was glaringly empty and hardly any procurement has taken place in the last two weeks. Speaking to India Today, Area Marketing Officer (AMO) Anup Kumar Verma said that the government has increased the MSP on wheat but so far the crop has not been harvested. The department is expecting a good turnout after a week. He added that the government is giving better price and transparent transaction, which is of huge benefit to farmers.
On the other hand, 39-year-old wheat farmer Sunil claimed the government MSP is less than the market price, while the cost involved in producing the crop is high. Hence, farmers are more willing to sell their crop to agents and traders at more competitive pricing.
Another wheat farmer Mohhamad Intezar, 49, said at this time, the wheat production has been affected and the demand of wheat is currently high. Although the price offered by the government is indeed better than last time, but in order to sell at the procurement centre, he has to take tokens online and go through a tedious process. So he sells his crop at private shops to avoid the rigmarole.
