Security concerns rise as wheat bags go missing from grain markets
20 April, 2026 – Faridkot : Commission agents in Faridkot mandis are caught in the middle of a bitter dispute between rival labour and transport contractor groups and the state procurement agencies, as sluggish lifting of wheat has left huge stocks stranded in grain markets at the height of the procurement season.
The standoff, now stretching into its crucial days, has slowed down the movement of procured wheat to government godowns, and pushed the mandi system under severe pressure. Farmers are being forced to wait three to four days for their crop to be procured and lifted, while arrivals continue to increase and available space in mandis shrinks.
According to sources, one contractor group, alleged to have political backing, has been objecting to transportation linked with the rival contractor. The rival group, in a written complaint to the Food and Civil Supplies Department, has claimed that its vehicles are available for transportation of procured wheat, but labour is not being provided for loading at mandis.
The standoff, now stretching into its crucial days, has slowed down the movement of procured wheat to government godowns, and pushed the mandi system under severe pressure. Farmers are being forced to wait three to four days for their crop to be procured and lifted, while arrivals continue to increase and available space in mandis shrinks.
According to sources, one contractor group, alleged to have political backing, has been objecting to transportation linked with the rival contractor. The rival group, in a written complaint to the Food and Civil Supplies Department, has claimed that its vehicles are available for transportation of procured wheat, but labour is not being provided for loading at mandis.
Following the complaint, Pungrain, Markfed, Punsup and the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation on Monday issued a joint warning to commission agents, directing them to ensure lifting of procured wheat within 72 hours. The agencies cautioned that agents would be held responsible for any weight loss or damage to the stock if lifting was delayed.
“We are stuck between both sides. On one hand, musclemen of one contractor are threatening our labour and not allowing loading; on the other, government agencies are holding us responsible for the delay. We have no control over the situation,” said a commission agent.
The deadlock has worsened congestion in mandis, where wheat lies exposed as farmers fear damage from changing weather conditions. With rain always a possibility, the delay in lifting has added to growers’ worries.
The situation has also led to security problems, with agents and farmers alleging that drug addicts have been moving around grain markets and stealing wheat bags, forcing them to keep night vigil.
Officials acknowledged the crisis and said efforts are under way to break the impasse and restore normal lifting operations.
District Food and Supply Controller Gurjit Singh said strict action would be taken against anyone found delaying procurement or lifting.
Until then, commission agents remain caught between contractor rivalry, administrative warnings and farmers’ growing anger, as the wheat procurement system in Faridkot struggles to keep moving.
The Tribune