Gurpreet Singh :- Punjab Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Monday reviewed wheat procurement arrangements at a grain market and said the process across the state is progressing smoothly. He stated that out of over 28 lakh metric tonnes of wheat arrivals so far, more than 24 lakh metric tonnes have already been procured.
The minister, accompanied by MLA Jasvir Singh Raja Gill and senior officials, inspected procurement operations and facilitated the purchase of produce from a local farmer. He assured that the state government has made comprehensive arrangements in mandis to ensure that farmers do not face any inconvenience while selling their crop. Kataruchak added that payments worth over ₹647 crore have already been credited to farmers’ accounts at the minimum support price of ₹2,585 per quintal.
Emphasising the government’s commitment, he said every grain of farmers’ produce will be procured and timely payments are being ensured within 48 hours of purchase. He also noted that lifting operations have been accelerated to avoid any backlog in mandis.
The minister directed procurement agencies and officials to ensure seamless arrangements, including adequate availability of gunny bags, labour, and transportation facilities. He reiterated that all necessary infrastructure is in place across mandis in the state to facilitate smooth procurement.
Appealing to farmers, Kataruchak urged them not to burn crop residue and instead adopt in-situ management practices using machinery provided by the agriculture department.
On the issue of crop damage due to recent unseasonal rains, he said that the Chief Minister had already ordered special girdawari and assured that affected farmers would be compensated by the state government.
MLA Jasvir Singh Raja Gill said that the government is ensuring procurement and lifting of wheat in a systematic manner, as in previous years, and highlighted that several farmer-friendly decisions taken under the leadership of the Chief Minister have benefited the farming community.
Officials were also instructed to ensure timely procurement in mandis. In Hoshiarpur district alone, 78 mandis have been set up, including 65 permanent and 13 temporary procurement centres, with an estimated arrival of 3.16 lakh metric tonnes of wheat this season. Senior administrative and departmental officials were also present during the visit.
