Wheat harvesting underway in Mohali (Punjab), but godowns stuffed with rice

By Barirderjit Saluja

With wheat harvesting underway in Mohali district for the rabi marketing season 2025-26, the local administration is facing a major hurdle — there’s no space to store the newly procured grain. Godowns remain filled with rice stocks from the previous kharif season, as the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has delayed lifting the rice grain.

This logistical deadlock is causing concern among farmers and mandis alike, as the administration scrambles to make alternate arrangements for wheat storage. Makeshift storage is being arranged in small godowns or under sheds at the procurement centres, but authorities fear the upcoming rainy season could damage the grain if the issue persists.

So far, around 1,000 metric tonnes of wheat have already arrived across the district. “We are trying our best to manage the situation, but the delay in rice lifting by FCI is creating a severe bottleneck,” said an official from the district administration.

When contacted, DM-FCI Amit Panth dismissed the concerns and redirected the matter to the state administration, offering little hope for a swift resolution.

In a bid to manage rabi procurement, the district’s food and supply department has set up 17 mandis in key areas like Kharar, Kurali, and Lalru. During the previous rabi marketing season, Mohali performed exceptionally well, with over 98% of the wheat that arrived in mandis being successfully procured. However, this year, delays and storage shortages could pose significant setbacks.

Last year, the district had prepared to procure around 132 lakh tonnes of wheat this season, establishing 1,907 mandis and 559 yards, totalling 2,466 procurement centres. However, reports indicate arrivals have been made at only 1,285 of these mandis last year.

Farmers and procurement agents are now urging authorities for immediate action to clear the existing rice stocks and free up godown space to ensure a smooth Rabi procurement process. With monsoon on the horizon, the window for safe and efficient storage is rapidly closing.

This article has been republished from The Times of India.