The paddy procurement process in Punjab on Monday witnessed an impressive surge in activity with 2,288 millers actively engaged in lifting operations across the state. The accelerated pace followed a significant agreement reached between the Punjab Government and farmer unions, which brought renewed cooperation and addressed some of the long-standing issues that had stymied the process. With over 4.13 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy lifted on Sunday, October 27, the State Government is optimistic about surpassing five LMT by the end of Monday.
In spite of these strides, farmers continue their presence along highways, voicing demands for accountability regarding past deductions and greater transparency in procurement. Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) leader Sarwan Singh Pandher expressed the farmers’ guarded optimism following the agreement. “If the government backtracks from the commitments, farmers reserve the right to resume their protests,” Pandher warned in a public video message, detailing the outcomes of recent discussions.
Pandher informed that the discussions with the Punjab Government centered around three primary areas crucial to the farmers — reimbursement for “unjust” cut, availability of DAP fertilizer for the upcoming season, and Centre’s assurance to support.
One of the critical issues farmers raised was the cuts applied by millers to their produce, whether due to grain quality concerns or other arbitrary factors. As per Pandher, the Punjab Government agreed that all such cuts would be examined, and the state would reimburse farmers facing undue deductions.
DAP (Di-ammonium Phosphate), essential for wheat and other Rabi crops, was another focal point. Many farmers had expressed concerns over its availability as they prepare for the Rabi season. In response, the Government assured that retailers would disclose their DAP stocks, ensuring a smoother supply chain and minimizing the risk of shortages. Given the crucial timing of DAP application, this assurance has brought relief to farmers, who feared a repeat of previous delays in fertilizer distribution.
Pandher also highlighted a statement from the Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, affirming the Centre’s support for Punjab’s farmers and assuring that each grain would be lifted. “We welcome the Centre’s support, but we remain vigilant,” Pandher remarked, attributing past issues partly to strained relationships between mill owners and the Central Government. Farmers hope that the Central and state-level cooperation will improve, preventing similar procurement-related issues in future seasons.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has held consultations with key central figures, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Fertilizer Minister JP Nadda, to advocate for Punjab’s farmers and seek support for uninterrupted procurement. The Chief Minister highlighted critical issues impacting farmers, such as challenges faced by arhtiyas (commission agents), which play a pivotal role in the state’s agricultural ecosystem. The outcome has been positive, with the state government enacting measures to reduce costs and enhance flexibility for millers.
One significant change is the reduction in the Release Order (RO) fee from Rs 50 to Rs 10 per ton for surplus paddy. Additionally, millers now have the flexibility to procure paddy from any location within their assigned district, a move expected to reduce delays and increase lifting speed. Previously, strict district-wise zoning limited these operations, resulting in logistical hurdles. These modifications are already showing results, as evidenced by the significant lifting figures reported.
Punjab’s Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Monday revealed that nearly 59.79 LMT of paddy had arrived in Punjab’s mandis, with 54.98 LMT procured to date. “Punjab is advancing swiftly towards meeting its procurement target,” Kataruchak said.
Lifting, too, has gained significant traction, with a record 4.13 LMT of paddy lifted in a single day on October 27, bringing the total lifted to over 23.3 LMT. The government has ensured timely payments, disbursing Rs 7,640.55 crore to farmers, aiming to provide them financial security in time for Diwali celebrations. Kataruchak urged the District Food and Supply Controllers (DFSCs) to press forward, confident that concerted efforts will lead to a successful procurement season.
