Only tractors will be photographed at the Mandi gate in Haryana.

Amid opposition to new rules introduced for wheat procurement this season, Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana clarified that only photographs of tractors bearing registered numbers would be taken at mandi gates, while the remaining processes, including biometric verification and geo-tagging of mandis, would be completed at the crop heaps. Farmers would also have the option to nominate up to three persons to sell their produce on their behalf. He said technological provisions had been introduced to enhance transparency and save time. Earlier, reforms like direct benefit transfer (DBT) were opposed, but later, proved beneficial for farmers.

During his visit to various grain markets in Kaithal district on Monday, the minister said the government stood firmly with farmers and would ensure that no inconvenience was caused during procurement.

At Dhand mandi, arhtiyas raised the demand for an increase in their commission. The minister responded positively, assuring that their concerns would be considered. He also said Dhand was a major mandi where storage was being facilitated through silos for farmers’ convenience.

He also inspected mandis at Pai, Rajound, Kalayat, Kaithal, Siwan, and Guhla-Cheeka, reviewing arrangements related to gunny bags, lifting, payments, and facilities. He directed officials to ensure smooth operations and immediate resolution of grievances of farmers and arhtiyas.

He said the government had fixed MSP of wheat at Rs 2,585 per quintal and mustard at Rs 6,200 per quintal. Every grain meeting the prescribed standards would be purchased, and sufficient staff had been deployed across mandis to facilitate farmers.