Central Teams to Visit Punjab Mandis to Assess Effect of Rains on Grain.

O/o DPRO SAS Nagar

Central Teams to Visit Punjab Mandis to Assess Effect of Rains on Grain: Food Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak

Punjab Procures 17 Lakh MT Paddy Across the State—Minister Expresses Hope to Meet 172 Lakh MT Target for Central Pool Despite Adverse Weather

SAS Nagar, October 13:

Central Teams will soon visit Punjab Mandis to evaluate the effects of recent rains on paddy grains, according to Punjab Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today. He noted that the Punjab government had already brought this matter to the attention of the central government.

The Minister praised the efforts of farmers, agencies, and authorities to ensure seamless purchases despite difficult weather circumstances during his visit to Kharar Grain Market. He also expressed pleasure with the continuing procurement activities.

According to him, Punjab has received 18 lakh MT of paddy so far, of which 17 lakh MT have already been purchased. The Minister further disclosed that farmers had received payments of Rs 3,215 crore in relation to the paddy that was purchased. For the current Kharif Marketing Season, the State Government already has a Cash Credit Limit (CCL) of Rs 27,000 crore, he continued.

Punjab will meet its goal of supplying 172 lakh MT of paddy to the Central Pool, even though the bad weather damaged crops in several places. The Minister praised Punjab’s farmers for their bravery and tenacity in overcoming the harsh weather conditions.

The Minister was informed by District Food and Supplies Controller Dr. Navreet, who reviewed the local procurement arrangements, that 75,996 MT of paddy had been purchased in the SAS Nagar district, compared to the anticipated arrival of 201,199 MT. She said that 109% of the dues, which are normally due within 48 hours, have already been deposited to farmers’ accounts in the amount of Rs 172.72 crore.

In the mandi, the Minister also spoke with laborers, farmers, and arhtiyas. Farmers conveyed their appreciation for the prompt and clear procurement process. The Minister gave the Arhtiyas the assurance that all of their valid worries would be taken into account.

Along with the Minister were DFSC SAS Nagar Dr. Navreet, Deputy Director (Ropar) Rajnish Kaur, Secretary Gurnam Singh, Chairman of the Market Committee Kharar Hakam Singh, and other officials.

Sh. Kataruchak reaffirmed that Punjab’s Kharif marketing season is going well and that the government of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is totally dedicated to making sure that farmers receive their money on time and that procurement is hassle-free.