The district administration in Karnal, Haryana, has initiated a comprehensive inquiry into wheat procurement operations during the current Rabi season, prompted by suspicions of wheat originating from Uttar Pradesh being illegally introduced into the local procurement chain.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that this development follows allegations of a paddy procurement scam during the preceding Kharif season, leading authorities to scrutinize the ongoing wheat procurement process despite the implementation of stringent measures for the 2026-27 season. These measures were designed to enhance accountability and seal existing loopholes in the system.
The state government had mandated a multi-pronged approach for farmers to participate in the procurement process. This includes mandatory registration on the ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora (MFMB)’ portal, undergoing Aadhaar-based biometric verification either in person or through three designated individuals, and uploading photographic evidence of tractor-trolleys laden with wheat, complete with registration numbers, to obtain gate passes. Furthermore, grain markets and warehouses have been subjected to geo-fencing for real-time oversight, with officials asserting that no farmer can sell produce in the market without prior portal registration.
However, these stringent norms have reportedly led to protests from farmers who are demanding their withdrawal. Despite these safeguards, sources suggest that a segment of arhtiyas (commission agents) may have exploited perceived gaps within the system. There is a suspicion that wheat procured from Uttar Pradesh at prices below the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is being infiltrated into Haryana’s procurement chain, potentially by leveraging residual farmer registrations on the MFMB portal.
In response to these concerns, the Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Anand Kumar Sharma, has established a special inquiry team. This team, headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner Rahul Raiya, has been tasked with investigating the alleged arrival of wheat from Uttar Pradesh into Karnal’s grain markets, a practice that is explicitly banned. The investigation aims to uncover how wheat from unregistered farmers entered the procurement system and to ascertain if there was any collusion between traders and local officials to circumvent the mandatory biometric verification and gate pass requirements.
As part of the initial actions, the inquiry team has already suspended the licenses of 13 arhtiyas. Four licenses were suspended in the Karnal grain market, six in Indri, and three in the Biana sub-yard. Additionally, several tractor-trolleys suspected of carrying unauthorized wheat have been turned back to Uttar Pradesh after verification by patwaris at the Gharaunda grain market. Dr. Sharma stated, “Our team is verifying procurement in different grain markets. We have suspended 13 licences and further investigation is underway. Action will be taken against those involved.”
To further reinforce efforts to curb the inflow of wheat from Uttar Pradesh, authorities have established two nakas (checkpoints) along the Haryana–Uttar Pradesh border. These checkpoints are under constant surveillance by duty magistrates and police personnel, ensuring that no unregistered farmers are permitted to transport wheat through these routes. ADC Rahul Raiya elaborated on the ongoing investigation, noting that it has been expanded to include the examination of CCTV footage from grain markets and border checkpoints to gather more evidence.
Official data indicates that the district has so far recorded an arrival of 7.85 lakh metric tonnes of wheat. Of this total, 7.57 lakh metric tonnes have been procured by various agencies. The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department procured 3.01 lakh metric tonnes, Hafed procured 3.47 lakh metric tonnes, the Haryana Warehousing Corporation procured 1.03 lakh metric tonnes, and the Food Corporation of India procured 4,543 metric tonnes. According to district administration figures, a significant portion, 6.6 lakh metric tonnes, has already been lifted from the mandis.
The Chenab Times News Desk