In a concerted effort to address the ongoing rice procurement crisis, Punjab Cabinet Ministers — Harpal Singh Cheema, Harjot Singh Bains, and Hardeep Singh Mundian — on Monday submitted a memorandum to Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Monday, requesting his intervention with the Central Government to accelerate the lifting of rice from the state.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, speaking to the media after the submission, highlighted the significant delays by the Union Government in lifting rice from shellers, which has severely impacted the paddy lifting process from local grain markets. The memorandum also addressed concerns over low rice yields from paddy, urging the Governor to facilitate an immediate resolution with the Central authorities.
Cheema criticized BJP leaders for their claims regarding the Cash Credit Limit (CCL) of Rs 40,000 crore, asserting that it reflected a disconnect from the realities faced by farmers. He explained that the CCL is determined annually during the paddy-wheat season, and the actual gap can reach between Rs 600 crore to Rs 1,000 crore, leading to substantial losses for Punjab's government, arhtiyas, and transporters. This year alone, the estimated loss amounts to around Rs 800 crore.
Reiterating the Punjab Government's commitment to its farmers, Cheema pointed out that despite Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's letters to the Central Government and discussions between state and Central ministers, the Union Government has not moved to lift the rice, allegedly due to a punitive stance against Punjab's agricultural community for opposing the now-repealed three farm laws. He emphasized that Punjab's farmers contribute significantly to the national food reserves, supplying 40 percent of wheat and 22 percent of rice.
“Punjab has long been the food bowl of India; it is unjust to overlook the rights of our farmers,” said Cheema, assuring that under Chief Minister Mann's leadership, the Punjab Government stands unwaveringly with its farmers and that state ministers are actively visiting grain markets to facilitate paddy procurement.
Cheema expressed optimism that the Governor would advocate effectively for Punjab’s case with the Union Government, ensuring that the needs of the state’s farmers are addressed swiftly and fairly.
