Wheat Piles Up in Haryana Mandis Amid Slow Lifting

14-Apr-2025 01:58 PM

Panipat: In Haryana, wheat is piling up in mandis due to slow government procurement and lifting, even as new arrivals flood the markets after recent rains cleared. Farmers, especially in Sonipat and Panipat, are struggling to sell their produce quickly.

As of April 12, Sonipat mandis received 76,567 tonnes of wheat, but only 17,701 tonnes were lifted by the four main procurement agencies—Food and Supplies Department, HAFED, Haryana Warehousing Corporation, and FCI. In Panipat, out of 9.3 lakh quintals of wheat arrivals, 7.33 lakh quintals were procured, yet only 1.17 lakh tonnes (16.03%) were lifted, leading to stockpile issues at purchase centers.

Farmers are worried about potential crop damage due to fire hazards or weather changes, prompting urgency in selling. However, delays in lifting are causing bottlenecks.

Adding to the concern, wheat with moisture above 10% is reportedly being rejected, despite the government allowing up to 12%. Officials from the Food Corporation of India are insisting on drier and cleaner stock, creating confusion and distress among farmers.