Slow pace of wheat lifting in the markets of border districts of Punjab
12-May-2025 06:09 PM
Amritsar. This year, government agencies have purchased a substantial quantity of wheat from farmers for the central pool at the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 2,425 per quintal in six border districts of Punjab—Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Ferozepur, and Fazilka. However, the lifting of this wheat from procurement centers has been progressing slowly.
The wheat was purchased by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) along with various provincial agencies. The Punjab government has requested FCI to expedite the lifting process. It is anticipated that the pace will improve following the recent ceasefire with Pakistan.
According to official data, during the current Rabi marketing season, 8.56 lakh tonnes of wheat were purchased in Ferozepur, 7.55 lakh tonnes in Tarn Taran, 7.49 lakh tonnes in Fazilka, 7.02 lakh tonnes in Amritsar, 6.30 lakh tonnes in Gurdaspur, and approximately 61,000 tonnes in Pathankot.
As of May 8, 2025, unsent wheat stock accounted for 49 percent in Tarn Taran, 46 percent in Amritsar, 40 percent in Gurdaspur, 34 percent in Ferozepur, 24 percent in Pathankot, and 22 percent in Fazilka. These stocks remained at procurement centers awaiting lifting.
Although FCI is making efforts to accelerate the lifting process, a lack of space in godowns, warehouses, and on open plinths has caused delays.
The Punjab government has instructed FCI to identify the destinations for this wheat and make arrangements to send it accordingly.
Additionally, steps have been taken to organize railway racks for transporting the wheat to states with available warehouse capacity.
The government is concerned that if the wheat remains exposed to the elements, its quality may deteriorate during bad weather.
Lifting operations were briefly affected due to the conflict with Pakistan, but the situation has now stabilized. Until last week, 15 to 16 railway racks were being dispatched daily from Punjab to other states.