Bhopal, April 29 (IANS) Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will conduct surprise inspections at wheat procurement centres across Madhya Pradesh in the coming days, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday.
The visits are aimed at reviewing ground-level arrangements during the ongoing procurement season and ensuring that farmers are able to sell their produce smoothly at the Minimum Support Price.
The Chief Minister is also expected to interact with farmers and officials to assess the functioning of the system and verify whether facilities mandated by the government are being provided.
“Our priority is that farmers should not face inconvenience and procurement must remain transparent and efficient,” Yadav said in the statement.
Officials said the Chief Minister may visit centres without prior notice.
The inspections will focus on the availability of basic amenities and adherence to prescribed guidelines.
To facilitate farmers, the government has allowed them to sell wheat at any procurement centre within their district.
This is expected to reduce congestion and waiting time.
Basic facilities such as drinking water and shaded seating areas have been arranged at the centres.
The state has also taken steps to improve operational efficiency.
The number of weighing scales at each centre has been increased to six, while districts have been authorised to install additional units if required.
The daily slot booking capacity has been raised from 1,000 quintals to 2,250 quintals per centre, with provision to increase it up to 3,000 quintals based on demand.
Procurement and slot booking activities are also being conducted on Saturdays.
The government has relaxed Fair Average Quality norms to provide relief to farmers.
The permissible limit for lusterless wheat has been increased to 50 per cent, while limits for shrivelled grains and damaged grains have been revised to 10 per cent and 6 per cent, respectively.
Procurement centres have been equipped with the necessary infrastructure, including gunny bags, porters, weighing machines, sewing machines, computers, internet connectivity, and quality testing equipment.
Cleaning aids such as fans and sieves are also being used.
Wheat is being procured at Rs 2,625 per quintal, including a Minimum Support Price of Rs 2,585 and a bonus of Rs 40 per quintal provided by the state government.
–IANS
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