DW BUREAU / KHANNA Punjab Food, Civil and Supplies Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu on Monday said that around 1.48 lakh MTs wheat has arrived in the various grain markets of the state out of which 70,000 MT has already been procured by agencies. This was disclosed by the Cabinet Minister after he kick-started the wheat procurement in Asia's biggest grain market at Khanna. Accompanied by Khanna MLA Gurkirat Singh Kotli, Ashu also held a meeting with the commission agents in the market where he informed that the Punjab government is standing rock-solid with them and called them an integral part of procurement. He also said that the pending amount of Rs 131 crore would also be released soon by the state government. Ashu said that on directions of Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, the Food, Civil and Supplies department has also amended the procurement software to ensure commission agents continue to be involved in the process of release of payments to farmers so that farmers get their payments in their bank accounts within 48 hours. He said that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the pass system has been launched to decongest markets and commission agents can contact market committees to get as many as they require. He said that the decision has been taken to ensure the markets remain free of the Covid and directed the officials to solve the issues of the commission agents immediately in case they face difficulty in receiving the pass. Khanna MLA Gurkirat Singh Kotli said that the Punjab government led by CM Capt Amarinder Singh has always ensured a smooth and hassle-free procurement season. Khanna Commission Agents Association head Harbans Singh Rosha thanked the Cabinet Minister for his assurance of clearing the pending amount of Rs 131 crore to them and also honoured them. Prominent among present occasion included Yadwinder Singh Jandali, Gurdeep Singh, Varinder Kumar, Rupinder Singh Gill, SDM Khanna Harbans Singh and others. (editor@dailyworld.in)