The Punjab government has initiated its wheat procurement campaign for 2024-25, aiming to facilitate farmers in the region, reported 24NewsHd TV channel Friday.

According to a spokesperson of the Punjab Food Department, farmers can now apply for Bardana (grain bags) through the Bardana app starting from Saturday, April 13.

Applications for Bardana are being accepted through the Bardana app till April 17, as confirmed by the spokesperson.

Following verification by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and Punjab Land Record Authority, farmers will receive confirmation messages regarding the release of Bardana and the scheduled date for wheat collection.

Based on the received requests on the app, Bardana will be released starting from April 19, 2024, with a first-come, first-served basis approach. The spokesperson also announced that wheat purchase operations will commence on Monday, April 22. 

To facilitate the procurement process, the food department has established 393 wheat purchase centres throughout the province. Farmers will be able to sell wheat at a fixed price of Rs 3900 per 40 kg, with an additional delivery charge of Rs 30 per 100 kg.

In a bid to support small-scale farmers, the eligibility criteria for acquiring Bardana have been set up to six acres of land. Additionally, flour mills, private sector entities, and seed companies are permitted to purchase wheat at fixed rates under the policy.

To address any issues or complaints during the wheat purchase campaign, a dedicated control room has been established. Farmers are encouraged to report complaints regarding the campaign on the toll-free number 080013505.