To address the ongoing challenges in the state’s paddy procurement process, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday spoke with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighting key concerns impacting the smooth purchase of paddy in the state, including issues related to transportation costs, storage shortages, and complications with the hybrid variety of grains. Mann, during the telephonic conversation, also discussed the losses faced by rice millers, urging the Centre to intervene and resolve these matters for the greater good of the state’s agriculture sector.
Conveying his expectations of swift action, Mann pointed out that these obstacles were hampering an otherwise well-prepared procurement season. “This year, Punjab is set to contribute 185 lakh metric tons of paddy to the central pool, and our government has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure a smooth process,” he said. However, he noted that issues with transportation, storage space, and grain lifting have slowed down the procurement process, which he has now brought to the attention of the Centre.
Meeting with Millers in Delhi
In a move to push forward the state's agenda, Mann announced that he would be heading to Delhi on Wednesday with a delegation of rice millers. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alongside Union Minister for Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi, will attend the meeting, where the Punjab Government will present the demands and concerns of the millers. “It is essential that these genuine demands be met to ensure the timely completion of paddy procurement in Punjab,” said Mann, emphasizing the importance of millers, farmers, and arhtiyas (commission agents) in ensuring the country's food security.
A day before, the State Government had taken several steps to assist rice millers before the discussion with Amit Shah. One major reform was reducing the charge for surplus paddy release orders (RO) from Rs 50 per ton to Rs 10 per ton. Additionally, the fee is waived entirely if the crop is lifted the next day. To address long-standing cases against certain millers, the Government has allowed millers’ sister partners or guarantors to operate without hindrance, benefitting around 200 rice mills. Moreover, the geographical scope for millers to lift paddy has been expanded by creating larger district circles for operations.
Storage Challenges
One of the most pressing issues raised by the Chief Minister is the shortage of storage space. Due to delays in the previous season’s milling, around 120 lakh metric tons of storage space is still occupied. Mann urged the Central Government to expedite the release of this storage space to accommodate the fresh harvest. “This issue must be resolved at the earliest to safeguard the interests of our farmers and to ensure national food security,” he added, noting that the upcoming wheat season added urgency to this matter.
Mann also pressed the Centre to release Punjab’s pending share of the Rural Development Fund (RDF). “The state has fulfilled all formalities, and it is time for the Centre to release our rightful share of funds,” he stated, adding that states should not have to plead for their legitimate dues.
