As against apprehension of a dismal market trend for this year’s rabi crop due to erratic weather conditions and delayed procurement process, farmers in most of the parts of the State are having a sigh of relief due to the Central Government’s decision. Central Government decision to ease norms for procurement has given a reason to wheat growers to cheer. Talking to ‘The Hitavada’, farmers from different divisions of the State expressed pleasure as the rate of rejection at most of the mandis have been reduced phenomenally on quality issues.

A farmer Satish Modi of Bicholi village told ‘The Hitavada’ “initially things were tough at Government centres when the procurement process was started. But it was for only 8-10 days. Some of my colleagues had to face difficulty as their large chunk of their crop produce was not accepted on quality ground. But now things have changed. We are able to sell to private traders as well as to government centres as luster and moisture like issues have now been relaxed.”

Growers from Ratlam, a place situated in western region of the state and are bestowed with rich horticulture and agriculture conditions, welcome new norms. Farmer Dharmesh Patidar says “We came to know that even after compromised quality up to a certain level are granted, e.g. Lenience on level of moisture and residuals like issues. It has made our task easy. Now we can get MSP up to 12 per cent of moisture level.” He further said that a large chunk of crop produce of other farmers have also been sold to private traders despite facing untimely rain. Wheat crop in Malwa remained not much affected.

Officials from various districts have admitted that although the number of registrations have been reduced this time as compared to last year as farmers are able to sell to private traders more. It is favourable for farmers that they are getting better prices despite untimely rain. Ratlam Collector Narendra Suryawanshi, who has grabbed limelight for challenging history sheeters and playing an exemplary role in the direction of good governance, himself makes phone calls to beneficiaries of various Government schemes. He has earned the title of ‘Singham’ in view of his tough image among law breakers. He was an efficient member of Shri Mahakal Lok phase I projects’ team. Collector Suryawanshi spoke to ‘The Hitavada’ about the agriculture scenario of the district. According to him, the overall situation is not distressing. He said “Impact of hailstorm is not much in the region. Even this time, the quality of wheat arriving at the centres is good.

For 2023, the rabi market season, we kept a high projection of registration at Government centres in the district. It was around one lakh as against 30-40 thousand in previous year. So far, around 28,900 farmers have registered in this season.” It is a good sign. Since the market rate is high, the number of registration at centres is lesser. Even the quality of produce arriving at centres is good. Of course! Relaxed norms are an add-on cushion for them, he added.