Wheat policy

The Punjab government’s wheat procurement policy has been more of a bane than a boon for growers. Harvested wheat crop has been lying in the open for the past couple of weeks and is vulnerable to climate conditions. Under conditions of prolonged dampness or rain, wheat kernels may start to germinate. But the authorities concerned for the procurement of wheat seem to be totally unconcerned. The main cause of irritation is the limited distribution of gunny bags or bardana. Procurement centres have been distributing bardana to 30 persons per day on ‘merit’ and to maintain ‘transparency’. Is that a joke? Why can the government not distribute bardana to all registered growers and collect the harvested wheat on their respective turns. Not only will this help growers store grains properly, but also preserve the required moisture in them. The existing policy is encouraging buyers in the open market to exploit growers’ helplessness and force them to sell their produce at a reduced rate. Is it a well-thought-out strategy of the government to reduce pressure on the exchequer at the cost of growers? Ms Farah Ali Bhowana