UP checks middlemen role in grain procurement

The Uttar Pradesh government yesterday directed officials to make necessary arrangements for procuring the targeted 25 metric tonnes wheat directly from farmers "" a move aimed at saving the farmers from the clutches of middlemen.

"All efforts would be made to protect farmers from being exploited by middlemen and it will be ensured that they get the right remunerative price for their produce," state Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Raghuraj Pratap Singh said here.

He asked his ministry officials to work out all the details for the procurement process at the wheat purchase centres by March 15 to achieve the set target.

Underlining the need for facilitating payments to wheat growers, the minister warned the officials of stern action in case of any irregularity in payments.

He also instructed that mobile purchase centres be set up to reach out to farmers wherever necessary.

Noting a delay in the distribution of new ration cards to the farmers, he further asked his ministry to complete the distribution work by April 30.