Facing criticism for delay in payment to farmers, Punjab government today released Rs 1,029 crore to wheat growers for purchase of their crop during the current Rabi marketing season.
All transactions have been electronically documented and payments have been credited to the accounts of the commission agents/farmers, an official spokesperson said.
Instructions have been given to all the procurement agencies to expedite the lifting process, he said.
Meanwhile, Food and Civil Supplies Department and the local administration have also been instructed to visit grain markets and purchase centres under their jurisdiction to oversee the ongoing wheat procurement operations.
They have also been asked to listen to the grievances of farmers, commission agents and others.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had yesterday revalidated and extended the validity period of the authorisation of Rs 17,523 crore as Cash Credit Limit (CCL) till May 31 for the wheat crop of the Rabi 2016-17 season in Punjab.
