Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh has achieved a remarkable record in wheat procurement this season.
Under the guidance of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, the state has procured over 104 lakh 22 thousand metric tonnes of wheat against a target of 100 lakh metric tonnes, a press note said.
Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister Govind Singh Rajput said wheat was purchased from a record 13 lakh 41 thousand 266 farmers, the highest number in the country.
Madhya Pradesh ranked second nationally after Punjab.
Excluding the Covid-19 period, this is the highest wheat procurement in the last 10 years.
The state gave priority to small and marginal farmers, procuring more than 32 lakh 14 thousand metric tonnes from 8 lakh 9 thousand 990 such farmers, the press note quoted the minister as saying.
Farmers have so far received payments totalling Rs 23,708.13 crore.
Out of the total procured quantity of 96 lakh 52 thousand 957 metric tonnes, 93 per cent, i.e., 96 lakh 52 thousand 957 metric tonnes, has been transported.
The wheat was procured at the rate of Rs 2,625 per quintal, including the minimum support price and an additional bonus of Rs 40 per quintal provided by the state government.
Division-wise, Bhopal recorded the highest procurement at 28 lakh 47 thousand 284 metric tonnes, followed by Ujjain with 22 lakh 84 thousand 47 metric tonnes, Jabalpur at 12 lakh 73 thousand 667 metric tonnes, and Narmadapuram with 9 lakh 22 thousand 508 metric tonnes.
Other divisions also contributed significantly to the overall achievement, the press note said.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav played a pivotal role by conducting surprise inspections of procurement centres.
He personally interacted with farmers and took immediate steps to resolve their issues.
To benefit farmers who had booked slots, the procurement period was extended from May 23 to May 28.
Facilities at procurement centres were substantially improved.
The number of weighing scales was increased from four to six, and weighing slips were issued until 10 p.m., while payment vouchers were issued until midnight.
Arrangements were made for drinking water, shaded seating, and toilets to provide convenience for farmers.
The government ensured an adequate supply of gunny bags, weighing equipment, quality testing tools, and proper storage facilities.
Continuous monitoring and farmer-centric decisions helped achieve this historic procurement.
(IANS)
