Punjab farmers incur losses, call for lifting of ban on wheat export
India Today
Farmers from Punjab, who have incurred losses following a prolonged dry spell, have called for the lifting of ban on wheat export.
The Centre on Sunday extended the wheat procurement deadline after its decision to ban wheat exports left the farmers and traders red-faced. The farmers, who were getting an additional Rs 300 to Rs 400 per quintal by selling the produce to private players, have appealed to Centre to lift the ban on the exports.
While the ban will compel them to sell their produce at a lower price of Rs 2,015 per quintal, the relaxation in quality norms for procurement will only benefit the traders as farmers have already sold their crop to them.
"The export ban should be lifted immediately.The farmers have every right to get higher remunerative prices for their price as they incurred losses due to a prolonged dry spell," said Jaspreet Singh, a Mohali-based farmer.
Meanwhile, farmer leader Ruldu Singh Mansa has claimed that the ban came when a sizable chunk of wheat was already exported.
READ | Centre extends wheat procurement deadline after export ban
Reacting to the export ban, Shiromani Akali Dal Supremo Sukhbir Badal termed the move anti-farmer and called for lifting the ban. He has also demanded compensation to the farmers if the export ban is not lifted.
"The ban will keep prices at a lower level. In case the ban is not lifted, the farmers should be paid a compensation of at least Rs 500 per quintal," Sukhbir Badal said.
