Punjab Chief Minister Takes Firm Stand on Wheat Procurement Amid Strike
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann issued a stern warning on Wednesday, declaring that any attempts to disrupt the smooth procurement of wheat through arm-twisting or blackmailing tactics will not be tolerated. He emphasized that exemplary action will be taken against such forces, underscoring the state government's commitment to ensuring a hassle-free process for farmers and stakeholders.
Arhtiyas' Strike and Demands
The statement came in response to an indefinite strike launched by arhtiyas, or commission agents, across the state. These agents are pressing for the restoration of a percentage-based commission of 2.5% on wheat procurement, which they argue is legally mandated under the Punjab Agricultural Produce Markets (APMC) Act. In 2020, the Centre replaced this with a fixed flat rate, leading to ongoing disputes.
While the central government recently increased the commission from Rs 46 to Rs 50.75 per quintal, the arhtiyas have rejected this as insufficient. They note that at the current minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 2,585 per quintal, a 2.5% commission would amount to approximately Rs 64.62 per quintal, highlighting a significant gap in their expected earnings.
Mann's Response and Clarifications
Chief Minister Mann clarified that the demands of the arhtiyas primarily concern the central government, not the state administration. He stated, "Their demands concern the Centre and not the state govt. But if someone tries to blackmail, strict action will be taken." Mann revealed that he has repeatedly raised the issue with the Centre, urging it to engage in dialogue with the agents to resolve the impasse.
He also addressed comparisons made by the arhtiyas with commission rates in neighbouring Haryana, pointing out that Punjab procures a much larger volume of wheat—approximately 125 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) this season. "The arhtiyas draw comparisons with the charges paid in Haryana, but they don't realise that Punjab procures 125 LMT wheat. The volume of the stocks is much more in Punjab," he added, explaining the logistical and economic differences.
Commitment to Smooth Procurement
Despite the disruptions, Mann assured that the state government has made elaborate arrangements for the smooth and hassle-free procurement and lifting of the wheat crop. Wheat procurement formally began on Wednesday, but the strike has caused significant disruptions in grain markets (mandis), putting the procurement of an estimated 122 lakh metric tonnes of wheat in limbo.
In a conciliatory move, the Chief Minister announced that he would meet with representatives of the arhtiyas to hear their concerns. However, he made it clear that no decisions would be taken under pressure, reinforcing his stance against blackmail tactics. "I will meet representatives of the arhtiyas to hear their concerns, while making it clear that no decisions will be taken under pressure," he stated.
Broader Implications
The strike by arhtiyas not only threatens the timely procurement of wheat but also highlights broader issues in agricultural policies and commission structures. The agents cite higher commission rates in Haryana as proof of their "legitimate rights", adding pressure on both state and central authorities to find a resolution that balances economic fairness with operational efficiency.
As the situation unfolds, the Punjab government remains focused on safeguarding the interests of farmers and ensuring that procurement processes proceed without further hindrance, with Mann's firm stance serving as a deterrent against any disruptive forces.
