Punjab government has rolled out massive arrangements to ensure a smooth and efficient wheat procurement season for over eight lakh farmers across the state. Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Friday announced that 124 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of wheat is expected to arrive at 1,864 procurement centers, including 600 temporary mandis set up to accommodate the bumper crop.
Kataruchak, chairing a review meeting with officials from Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, assured farmers that payments will be processed within 24 hours of procurement, with the Minimum Support Price (MSP) fixed at Rs 2,425 per quintal.
To facilitate smooth operations, the state government has secured a cash credit limit of Rs 28,894 crore. Moreover, 99 percent of the required bardana (gunny bags) has been arranged, ensuring seamless storage and transportation of wheat.
District-wise, Jalandhar is set to receive 5.25 lakh MT, Kapurthala 3.61 lakh MT, Hoshiarpur 3.14 lakh MT, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar 2.64 lakh MT. the Minister emphasized that not a single grain will be left unprocured, reaffirming the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare.
He also inspected mandi facilities, directing officials to ensure cleanliness, drinking water, proper lighting, and shed arrangements for farmers. All officials have been instructed to be physically present at procurement centers throughout the season to promptly address any issues.
Punjab, known as India’s breadbasket, takes pride in its robust procurement system. The Minister assured that the state is fully prepared for one of the largest wheat procurement operations in the country.
