Due to rising temperatures in the past month, experts predict an early arrival of the wheat crop in districts like Patiala and Mohali.
The Punjab government has raised an urgent alarm regarding a looming “wheat storage crisis” as the new harvest season approaches. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s administration has formally reached out to the Central Government and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to expedite the removal of old grain stocks to make room for the incoming crop.
The Storage Space Crunch
The state is facing a severe shortage of space to store newly harvested wheat. Despite 5 to 6 lakh metric tons of grain being moved out of the state monthly, it is not enough to clear the required space.
- The Demand: Punjab officials state they need to move 15-16 lakh metric tons per month to create sufficient room.
- Logistics: The state has requested 860 special trains for April and May to transport approximately 22.67 lakh metric tons of grain to other states.
- Warning: The government warned that if the old wheat is not lifted, it could lead to unrest among farmers and potential law-and-order issues.
Early Harvest Risks
Due to rising temperatures in the past month, experts predict an early arrival of the wheat crop in districts like Patiala and Mohali. This adds further pressure on the government to clear storage facilities within the next week before official procurement begins.
Corruption Scandals hit the State
While dealing with the grain crisis, the Punjab government is also under fire from opposition parties regarding allegations of internal corruption.
- The “Chairmanship” Allegation: A video surfaced of an AAP worker, Varun Bhagat, who claimed he acted as a “courier” for a Rs 50 lakh bribe intended to secure a political chairmanship. Bhagat alleged he delivered the money to an individual in an SUV at night.
- Opposition Response: Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia held a press conference supporting Bhagat, urging him to expose the corruption and promising him protection.
- Gagan Randhawa Case: Opposition leaders, including BJP’s Sunil Jakhar, continue to pressure the government over the case of late DM Gagan Randhawa, demanding safety for his family and a thorough investigation into related administrative issues.
