As the curtains came down on Asia’s largest wheat procurement operations in Punjab, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday thanked farmers, labourers and all government agencies for successful procurement of 128 LMT of wheat despite the Covid-19 pandemic. The CM complimented the Departments of Agriculture and Food & Civil Supplies, along with their agencies including MARKFED, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation, PUNSUP as well as the FCI, on this remarkable feat.
Due to the elaborate mandi arrangements and operational management of the staggered arrival of wheat, Covid-19 failed to put a spoke in the gigantic wheat procurement operation, lasting a one-and-ahalf month, during the just concluded Rabi marketing season, he said. Captain Amarinder said patience and discipline, along with adherence of all involved in the operation with strict health and safety measures put in place for harvesting, procurement and storage of wheat, had ensured zero Covid-19 cases in the entire process.
They had together ensured the country’s sustained selfsustenance in food even in these trying circumstances, he added. The CM also appreciated Food & Civil Supplies Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu for accomplishing the massive task of wheat procurement, besides prompt lifting and ensuring timely payment to the farmers for their produce. He lauded the concerted efforts of Deputy Commissioners, GoGs and police personnel, as well as other government staff involved in this process.