Punjab Kicks Off Paddy Procurement Season with Big Targets and Farmer-Friendly Plans
In a major boost for Punjab’s farmers, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak launched the paddy procurement drive on Wednesday from Bhogpur Dana Mandi in Jalandhar district. The state aims to buy 172 lakh metric tonnes of paddy at the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 2,389 per quintal, ensuring fair deals amid tough weather challenges.
Kataruchak reviewed the setup at the mandi and stressed that the government stands committed to a smooth, hassle-free process for everyone involved. Even with recent floods disrupting farms, the team has rolled out statewide arrangements so farmers can sell their crops without any hitches.
"We’ve fixed the paddy MSP at Rs 2,389 per quintal," the minister said. To back this up, the government has lined up Rs 15,000 crore in Cash Credit Limits (CCL) for September and Rs 27,000 crore for October. Plenty of gunny bags (bardana) are ready too, so no farmer waits around in line.
This year’s paddy procurement target for Punjab hits 172 lakh metric tonnes, but officials have prepped to handle up to 190 lakh metric tonnes if needed. The best part? Payments will flow directly into farmers’ bank accounts right after lifting the grain—no delays promised.
Kataruchak urged department officials, Punjab Mandi Board teams, and local admins to keep a close eye on mandi operations for full transparency and speed. The board has fired up 1,822 purchase centres across the state, complete with reliable electricity, clean water, and other essentials to make things comfortable.
Chatting with local farmers like Gurkirat Singh, Jaspal Singh, and Sukhraj Singh during his visit, the minister heard praise for the quick pace at Bhogpur Dana Mandi. He assured them payments would hit their accounts soon. A quick tip from him: Bring only fully dried paddy to avoid issues, as high moisture can slow down the process.
With these steps, Punjab’s paddy procurement season looks set for a strong start, supporting thousands of farmers in the granary of India.
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