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Haryana has banned the import of wheat from neighbouring States for the rabi marketing season starting April 1.
The ban follows hopes of a bumper production and fears of inadequate storage capacity. One of the reasons for the ban is that the farmers from Uttar Pradesh bring wheat to markets in Haryana to avail of the minimum support price (MSP) since the MSP operation in Uttar Pradesh has been tardy in the last couple of years.
Also, some traders buy wheat in Uttar Pradesh at a price lower than MSP and then sell it in Haryana at MSP.
Haryana and Punjab contribute nearly 90 per cent of wheat to buffer stocks. However, the current ban is due to huge carry-forward stocks in warehouses.
The situation could have been better if this season's stocks had have been lifted on right time, said experts.
Mixed response
The Bhartiya Kissan Union has strongly criticised the move, saying that it is a strange decision as farmers are free to deliver their produce anywhere in this country.
Such kind of decisions may harm the relations among states, said Mr Sewa Singh Arya, State President of BKU.
A few farmer leaders and Mr Subhash Chander former president of Karnal Aadhti Association, have welcomed the decision.
It is a right step as it will benefit local farmers, they said. Commission agents have been directed not to purchase produce from the farmers of neighbouring States.
Apart from this, the State is planning to set up check-posts in lieu of the multiple gates in different parts of Karnal district to stop arrivals, said Ms Neelam Pradeep Kasni, Deputy Commissioner, Karnal.
MSP for wheat
The Centre has fixed the MSP for wheat this year at Rs 1,285 a quintal against Rs 1,120 last year.
About 70 lakh tonnes of wheat are likely be procured in Haryana, during the marketing season and 371 purchase centres will be opened to ensure smooth procurement.
A number of measures have been adopted to create space for the new wheat stocks. Officials have been directed to ensure adequate space for new stocks by placing old stocks somewhere else. Arrangement has also been made with the Reserve Bank of India to ensure timely payment to the farmers.
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