Demand for wheat harvesting machines increases

The machines can harvest more than 20 acres of crops per day

MULTAN: The demand for wheat harvesting reaper machines has increased in South Punjab due to the lack of labour for manual wheat harvest. In the midst of the recent weather and shortage of labour, the wheat crop has reached its final stage of harvesting.

However, the lack of labour has compelled local farmers to visit different workshops to get new wheat harvesting reapers.

Similarly, some farmers who have resources to purchase the machines are also willing to provide the same on a rent basis.

A survey was conducted which highlighted that harvesting reaper machines of different companies were available in the market at varied prices.

Local workshop owner Abdul Rehman said the demand for the machines has increased with the start of the season. The businessman continued that he sold more than seven machines, while the demand to provide another six was in process.

About price, he added that he used to sell a machine for between Rs85,000 and Rs110,000. However, he maintained that they were offering relief to farmers by selling these machines in two to three payment installments.

Rehman pointed out that wheat reaper machines could harvest more than 20 acres of crop per day.

Meanwhile, Multan Commissioner Bilal Ahmed Butt said that arrangements would be made at wheat procurement centres across the division to provide maximum relief to farmers during the procurement process. He added lists would be displayed at all centres and any objections would be addressed to ensure transparency.

The commissioner added that clean drinking water, chairs and other facilities would be ensured at all centres.

He maintained that different committees would be formed to monitor wheat procurement after announcement of the procurement policy.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 5^th, 2018.