 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Apr 8: As the Rabi harvesting season approaches, Director Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare, Jammu, Shri Arvinder Singh Reen, chaired a high-level meeting today at the Directorate of Agriculture, Talab Tillo, to review preparedness for wheat procurement operations under the Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2025-26.
During the meeting, Director Reen stressed on streamlining the procurement process to ensure direct and timely procurement of wheat from farmers through Food Corporation of India (FCI) using the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. He reiterated the government's commitment to safeguard farmers from distress sales and ensure they receive the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ?2,425 per quintal.
Key deliberations included:
Strategic finalization of procurement centres based on accessibility and feasibility.
Ensuring adequate infrastructure like space, tarpaulin sheets, gunny bags, and logistics.
Uploading of wheat specifications and appointment of MLCs and DNOs.
Engagement of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to support the procurement process.
Updates on crop conditions, expected arrivals, and payment streamlining mechanisms.
Director Reen instructed that cleaning charges be fixed by the Deputy Commissioners and assured that the Agriculture Department would facilitate availability of tarpaulin sheets for smooth operations. He also emphasized creating mass awareness among farmers to encourage maximum participation.
It was announced that a total of 21 Wheat Procurement Centres (Mandis) will be established across Jammu Division - 11 in Jammu, 9 in Kathua, and 1 in Samba. FCI officials confirmed their preparedness to accept wheat stocks till May 31, 2025, with a provision to extend the date if required.
The meeting was attended by Sh. Satish Sharma, Joint Director Agriculture (Extension/SLUB), Sh. Parveen Kumar Gautam, Divisional Manager FCI, Sh. Santosh Kumar, AGM (Proc.) FCI, Sh. Mukesh Verma, Manager (Proc.) ECI, Sh. Dharmesh Vaid, Liaison Officer Marketing/SMS RL, along with Chief Agriculture Officers and representatives of FPOs from across Jammu Division who joined virtually.
The session marked a crucial step toward ensuring a farmer-friendly, transparent, and efficient procurement process in the region. |
