Bhopal, Mar 7: After creating scene over red wheat, which was purchased by Central government, the state government with a view to feed wheat to the citizens of state has targeted to purchase nine times more out of total production. State government hopes that after the announcement of Rs 100 per quintal bonus it would help in achieving the purchase target.

State government has set target of purchasing 5 lakh metric ton wheat in this season. Whereas last year only 57,000 metric ton wheat was purchased by government agencies.

In the year 2006 the government agency could not get success to purchase wheat. Kargil, ITC including other companies had given attractive prices and facilities due to which the farmers went towards the private companies.

But in this year changing in the situation is hoped.

However, even today there is likely to meet challenges with the private companies in purchasing. State government had announced to give bonus of Rs 100 per quintal in kisan mahapanchayat .Whereas, the union government has decided to give Rs 1000 per quintal minimum supporting price for wheat.

In this way the farmers of the state at present would get Rs 1100 per quintal. There is possibility to announce bonus by the union government which might be a minimum of Rs 100 per quintal. Though it is not yet announced but it is announced then the farmers may get relief a lot.

It is noticeable that state BJP government had adopted severe attitude on the union government taking the issue of importing red wheat. BJP in this connection had observed an andolan. Whereas, Agriculture and Cooperative Minister had given assurance that the citizens would not let the red wheat to eat. Keeping in view this the state government has opened purchasing centres from March 1st. Earlier the state government had planned to start purchasing from March 15.