With wheat procurement season gaining momentum, the problem of proper storage space has once again surfaced in the states of Punjab and Haryana. Both these states contribute more then 70 per cent to the nation’s foodgrain kitty.
Freak weather conditions in the month of April, resulting in frequent showers, have again underlined the importance of proper and scientific storage of wheat and other foodgrains.
The situation is particularly grave in the state of Punjab, where despite the bad weather conditions, 98.8 lakh metric tonne (LMT) of wheat has been procured till May 1. Experts believe that this year, the procurement would go up to 115 LMT, crossing last years procurement record of 110 LMT.
However, like every, this year also the lack of proper storage capacity would result in precious loss of wheat worth many crores. As of now Punjab only has the storage capacity of 200 LMT. However, the produce from previous years and seasons are already occupying more then half of the capacity. The agricultural experts said that 68.5 LMT of wheat and 67 LMT of rice from previous years are still stored in the state godowns.
The situation is not very different in neighbouring Haryana where wheat procurement is about to touch the mark of 75 LMT. With crops already lying in godowns, the Haryana is also finding it hard to store wheat. According to estimates, around 80 LMT of wheat would be stored in open in the state, keeping in view the already lying foodgrains.
The Haryana government is also planning to write to the Union government to immediately start the movement of wheat to the foodgrain deficit states. Experts believe that the state government should start the movement of foodgrains as soon as procurement starts to the foodgrain-deficit states.