Delay in procurement in Punjab mandis causing distress to farmers, Dhaliwal urges government to take immediate action
Dhaliwal said: Ensure immediate and uninterrupted procurement of wheat by the government
City Air News
Apr 13, 2026 07:54
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Chandigarh, April 13, 2026: Retired IAS officer and MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal expressed concern over the heaps of wheat lying in Punjab’s mandis and the delay in procurement. He said that due to the non-procurement of wheat, farmers in Punjab are facing distress. As a result, during the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, which is traditionally a time for harvest and celebration, a large quantity of farmers’ produce remains unsold. He also criticized the government over the shortage of gunny bags. He said the government should have made timely arrangements.
Dhaliwal said that delays in procurement and inadequate arrangements in the mandis are causing unnecessary hardship to farmers. He stated that farmers have been waiting for several days with their produce, while procurement has not progressed as expected.
He urged the Punjab government to ensure immediate and uninterrupted procurement of wheat. He also called for all necessary arrangements, including adequate supply of jute bags, labour, and logistical support, so that every grain of wheat can be procured without any further delay.
The issue has also drawn political attention. The state administration led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party government is facing criticism over alleged administrative lapses in procurement management.
Dhaliwal emphasized that timely procurement is essential to protect farmers’ interests and prevent post-harvest losses. He said the government should prioritize ground-level execution over administrative delays to ensure smooth functioning of mandis during the procurement season.
He further added that farmers’ welfare should be at the center of governance, especially during the peak procurement period. Any shortfall in preparedness should be addressed on a priority basis.
