Forty two New Procurement Centers Designated for Wheat Procurement, Improved Facilities for Farmers

As per the directives of the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection, wheat procurement at the minimum support price (MSP) for the Rabi marketing season 2024-25 will take place in the district from March 15 to May 5. Collector Mr. Balaguru K. has designated 42 new procurement centers in addition to the previously assigned warehouses. These centers have been allocated to cooperative and marketing committees in the tehsils of Ashta, Jawar, Ichhawar, and Sehore for wheat procurement.

New Procurement Centers Tehsil-wise:

Ashta Tehsil: Sevda, Bager, Mugli, Bamuliya Bhati, Nipania Kalan, Hakimabad, Maina, Siddikganj, Kothri, Bedakhedi, Khamkheda Jatra, Dupadiya, Mehtwada, Bhanwri Kala, Jawar, Pagariya Haat, Cooperative Marketing Institution Marya Ashta, Foodra.

Ichhawar Tehsil: Ichhawar, Ramdasi, Amla Ramjipura, Bhaukhedi, Ramnagar, Jamonia Fatehpur, Cooperative Marketing Institution Ichhawar, Amlaha, Dhamanda, Diwdiya, Pachama, Dhabla, Dhabla Center-2, Khamliya, Napta Khedi, Bilkisganj, Bilkisganj Center-2.

Sehore Tehsil: Bamuliya, Ulzhawan, Bawadia Chaur, Mogara Ram, Mahodiya, Cooperative Marketing Institution Sehore, Chanderi, and Lala Khedi.

Wheat Procurement Center Working System:

1. Working Days: Monday to Friday
2. Timing: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
3. Token Issuance Deadline: 6:00 PM
4. Procurement Norms: Wheat will be procured based on the Fair Average Quality (FAQ) norms set by the Government of India.
5. Verification: Physical and other facilities at procurement centers will be verified by the procurement center in-charge, nodal officer, and assistant/junior supply officer.

Facilities at Procurement Centers:

1. Digital & Technical Facilities: High-speed internet, uninterrupted power supply, computers/laptops, printers, dongles, scanners, and UPS battery backups.
2. Basic Amenities: Seating arrangements, drinking water, toilets, shade, fans, tables, chairs, FAQ quality information, and a toll-free helpline.
3. Security Arrangements: Fire extinguishers, tarpaulins, covers, first-aid kits, stock security, pest control measures, and weather protection.
4. Electronic Weighing Scales: At least four large electronic weighing scales at each center.
5. Cleaning Equipment: Grading machines, moisture meters, biometric devices, digital signature systems, and sieves for crop cleaning.

Human Resource Arrangements:

• Data Entry Operators: CPC-T certified or diploma/degree holders.
• Weighing Operations: Sufficient staff for handling weighing scales and measurement operations.
• Quality Inspectors/Surveyors: Additional personnel will be arranged at high-procurement centers.

Guidelines for Farmers Selling Wheat:

1. Only registered farmers can sell their wheat.
2. Slot booking is mandatory; farmers must sell their crops within seven days of booking.
3. Unbooked crops will not be accepted at procurement centers.
4. Each wheat sack should contain 50 kg of wheat + 580 grams of jute bag weight.
5. E-KYC verification (OTP/Biometric) is required before issuing payment.
6. Farmers must ensure their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts and mobile numbers are updated.

Payment Process & Transparency:

1. Each sack will be tagged and stencil-marked with the procurement center code and farmer code.
2. Payment for purchased crops will be credited directly to the farmer’s Aadhaar-linked bank account.
3. Weighing equipment verification will be done by the district controller of weights and measures.
4. Immediate quality inspection will be conducted at the time of procurement.