A day before commencement of paddy procurement process in Punjab, the state Food and Civil Supplies Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu on Sunday issued directions to procurement agencies to personally supervise the operations across the state to ensure prompt lifting of paddy as per their allotted share of procurement.
The directions were issued to all the heads of the state procurements agencies as well as the Food Corporation of India (FCI) general manager (Punjab region).
The Minister noted that Punjab is expecting paddy procurement to the tune of 200 LMT this year, of which, PUNGRAIN would procure 30 percent, PUNSUP 22 percent, Markfed 23 percent, Punjab Agro 10 percent, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation 10 percent, and FCI five percent in all the 1834 purchase centres set up across the state.
Reviewing the arrangements for the same, Ashu said that all out efforts should be made to ensure smooth, hassle-free and quick procurement of paddy on one hand, and facilitate the farmers in getting timely payment of their produce on the other.
He categorically said that farmers of the state should not be put to any inconvenience for the sale of their produce in the mandis.
The Minister directed that good quality sturdy gunny bales to be ensured while packing the produce and also that there should be no shortage of bales for storage of grains.
He asked the officers concerned to personally visit the mandis during the procurement and ensure smooth lifting. The field staff should work round the clock to procure the stocks even on Saturdays, Sundays and also on government holidays, he said.
The Minister asked the Punjab Mandi Board officials to make sure of proper arrangements in mandis to save produce and to have proper sanitation facilities.
The Government of India has fixed minimum support price (MSP) for paddy at Rs 1770 per quintal for Grade A and Rs 1750 per quintal for common variety of paddy.
Proposal regarding Cash Credit Limit has been sent by Finance Department to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for availing CCL limit of Rs 40,300 crore for the purchase of paddy by the state agencies. FCI will make its own arrangements for the funds required for purchase of paddy, he said.
The Minister made a fervent appeal to all the farmers to bring dry, clean and fully matured paddy to the mandis. He also asked all the stakeholders to refrain from malpractice whether arhtiyas, transporters or shellers.