Expedite wheat lifting in six border districts: Punjab to FCI

In the wake of the escalation of tension between India and Pakistan, a concerted effort has now started to speed up the lifting of wheat from the six border districts of the state.

The debris of a Pakistani missile found in Amritsar district is the trigger for the move.

Amidst apprehension of retaliation by Pakistan, after the precision attack by India on the other side, the state government has asked the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to immediately transfer the wheat that has been bought in the districts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Ferozepur and Fazilka.

So far, 53 per cent of the wheat remains to be lifted in Tarn Taran district, 50 per cent in Amritsar and 42 per cent in Gurdaspur. The amount of unlifted wheat in Pathankot, Ferozepur and Fazilka is much less – 27 per cent, 36 per cent and 24 per cent, respectively.

So far, 49 per cent of the wheat remains unlifted in Tarn Taran district, 46 per cent is yet to be lifted in Amritsar and 40 per cent in Gurdaspur. The amount of unlifted wheat in Pathankot, Ferozepur and Fazilka is much less – at 24 per cent, 34 per cent and 22 per cent, respectively. According to official figures, 60,822 metric tonnes of wheat has been purchased in Pathankot; 6.30 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) in Gurdaspur, 7.02 LMT in Amritsar; 7.55 LMT in Tarn Taran; 8.56 LMT in Ferozepur and 7.49 LMT in Fazilka.

Official sources said they had told the FCI officials to check the destinations where this wheat could be sent and also the availability of rakes for transporting the wheat. “As matters on both sides of the border escalate, there is a need to secure the foodgrain stocks,” said an officer. It is learnt that as of date, an average of 15-16 rakes, carrying wheat, are leaving Punjab daily for the recipient states.

Punjab