ਪੰਜਾਬ ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ Bhagwant Mann on Sunday announced that the state will begin paddy procurement from September 15, two weeks earlier than usual. This decision aims to prevent crop damage caused by high moisture levels, which often rise in October due to colder nights and mornings.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of a public library in Dhuri. Earlier, paddy procurement used to start on October 1 every year. However, the ਸਰਕਾਰ had already allowed farmers to start transplanting paddy from June 1 instead of June 15 this year. As a result, the crop will be ready for sale earlier.
Mann said this move would help farmers avoid harassment during procurement. He also mentioned that blackmailing of farmers used to begin in grain markets when moisture levels were high.
The ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ added that he had recently met Union Food and Public Distribution ਮੰਤਰੀ Pralhad Joshi and requested an increase in the commission for arhtiyas (commission agents). The Union ਮੰਤਰੀ assured him of support. Mann said the state ਸਰਕਾਰ is ready to take a delegation of arhtiyas to Delhi if needed.
