Rented properties to rescue from storage crisis, 1.50 lakh MT wheat stock of last years still lying

There is not enough space for the wheat procured this season, as 1.50 lakh tonne from last year is still lying untilised in stores across the district.

There is not enough space for the wheat procured this season, as 1.50 lakh tonne from last year is still lying untilised in stores across the district.

HT Image

Sources said that that around 2.10 lakh tonne will be procured, while the district had storage space of only 1.30 lakh tonne.

To tackle the issue, the administration plans to store wheat in properties taken on rent from other departments or private individuals and said that the administraion had hired open space in Nawanshahr, Banga, and Surapur grain markets and 30,000 tonne wheat woud be stored in the open.

A large portion of the Nawanshahr Cooperative sugar mill and empty plots of private individuals or companies have been rented to be used as storage spaces.

However, sources added that most of the space taken on rent is not covered and officials are taking ahuge risk by renting property and still niot ensuring that wheat is safe from the weather.

There are reports that the administration has requested the Food Corporation of India to arrange a 'special' to clear the old stock of wheat, so that the old stock can be moved.

An official said, "Shortage of space storing foodgrain is endemic to the country. All states are strugglinh with the issue."