Wheat procurement: MP deposits Rs 1,000 cr in farmers accounts

Claiming it to be the first state to do so,Madhya Pradesh government has deposited more than Rs 1,000 crore directly in the bank accounts of farmers.

Claiming it to be the first state to do so,Madhya Pradesh government has deposited more than Rs 1,000 crore directly in the bank accounts of farmers,less than a month after procurement of wheat began.

The only state to give a bonus of Rs 100 over and above the Rs 1,120 MSP announced by the Centre,Madhya Pradesh had changed the procurement process last month to keep unscrupulous elements and middlemen at bay.

Since the procurement began on March 15,the state has already procured more than 8.5 lakh MT wheat against the target of 35 lakh MT. The states civil supplies corporation procured wheat in 23 districts while the marketing federation in the remaining districts. Government agencies now insist on loan books and bank account details at the time of procurement and make farmers fill a form to avoid irregularities.

The process was not so transparent last time that allowed middlemen to pocket their cuts leaving genuine farmers at their mercy before and after procurement.

Last year,farmers were paid Rs 4,200 crore including Rs 350 crore in bonus. Wheat growers from neighbouring states also benefited in the process by spiriting their produce across the borders.