Capt blames government for distress sale of wheat

Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Capt Amarinder Singh on Tuesday blamed the Punjab government for the distress sale of wheat by the farmers as the state agencies failed to procure their produce on time.

Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Capt Amarinder Singh on Tuesday blamed the Punjab government for the distress sale of wheat by the farmers as the state agencies failed to procure their produce on time.

Amarinder warned that the farmers would be forced to come out on roads and the situation might go out of control for the state government to handle. "It's double whammy for the farmers. First they faced heavy losses due to unseasonal rain and hailstorm and now the agencies have failed to procure their grains," he said in a statement issued here.

"Chief minister Parkash Singh Badal neither has the will nor any intent to look after the farmers' welfare," said Amarinder, adding: "Otherwise, it should not be a big problem to make timely payment to the farmers."

"And why should state agencies not buy the wheat on time?" he questioned, while pointing out that during his government, it was ensured that the farmers were paid for their produce within 24 hours, come what may. "It only needs concern and better planning, both of which this government lacks," he added.