Lucknow, April 8 -- Wheat procurement in Uttar Pradesh crossed one lakh metric tonnes in the first week of April for the first time, a government spokesman claimed here on Tuesday, adding that this year, wheat was being purchased directly from farmers in villages through mobile procurement centres.

"So far, 20,409 farmers have sold their produce, and over 3.56 lakh have registered for wheat sale. The procurement drive will continue till June 15," he said.

"For the first time, the food and civil supplies department reached farmers' fields through mobile procurement units. While harvesting is ongoing, wheat is being weighed and procured on the spot. On the CM's instructions, procurement centres are open even on holidays, making the proces...