No role of middlemen in wheat procurement: Adityanath

Ruling out any role of middlemen in wheat procurement, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today asked peoples' representatives to help in monitoring wheat purchase centres which will go functional in the state from tomorrow. "The Chief Minister has desired that MLAs and MPs help in monitoring of working at purchase centres and provide feedback on implementation of government orders in this regard," an official spokesman said.

Cautioning that no one would be allowed to play with the interests of farmers, he has warned of stern action in case of laxity in any of the purchase centres. Pointing out that arrangements have been made to procure wheat directly from farmers, Adityanath said unlike the previous regime, his government would not allow any role of middlemen in the procurement process.

The Chief Minister said the support price of the produce will be directly transferred in the bank accounts of farmers who will be identified through their Aadhar cards. "The government is committed to ensure that farmers get the right remuneration of their produce and financial prosperity," the spokesman said.

Adityanath also asked district magistrates to make all preparations for procurement besides extending basic amenities like water and shade for farmers arriving there. The government has fixed a target of procuring 80 lakh metric tonnes of wheat in the rabi season 2017-18.

The spokesman said of this, state agencies will procure 70 lakh metric tonnes and FCI 10 lakh metric tonnes. The support price for 2017-18 season has been fixed at Rs 1,625 per quintal, the spokesman added