37 lakh MT wheat arrived in state mandis so far, says Kataruchak
Punjab Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Monday said that the state’s grain markets were witnessing a robust arrival of wheat, with an average of 10 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of the crop arriving daily across Punjab. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government to ensure a seamless and farmer-friendly wheat procurement season.
During his visit to Dana Mandi in Phillaur, the minister inspected the ongoing procurement operations and interacted with farmers present at the site. He said that wheat procurement was approaching its peak, with over 37 lakh MT of wheat having already arrived at 1,864 designated purchase centres across the state. Of this, procurement agencies have purchased 33.50 lakh MTs at MSP, amounting to Rs 2,425 per quintal.
Highlighting the government’s focus on timely payments, Kataruchak stated that farmers had already received Rs 3,216 crore for their procured wheat, with a strong emphasis on disbursing payments within 24 hours of purchase.
The minister said that the welfare of all stakeholders, including labourers, was being taken care of. He said that a revision in labour rates had already been done, increasing it from Rs 2.21 to Rs 2.64 per bag, in recognition of the estimated 25 crore bags to be handled this season. This revision is expected to generate around Rs 10 crore in wages for mandi labourers.
Interacting with farmers, Kataruchak received positive feedback regarding the ongoing procurement. Farmer Paramjit Singh from Akalpur village praised the government for the smooth and prompt purchase of his crop, calling the entire process efficient and hassle free. The minister stated that the government had set a target of procuring 124 lakh MT of wheat this season, amid reports of a bumper crop yield across the state.
On the occasion, SDM Amanpal Singh, AAP leader Prem Kumar, DMO Arvinder Singh and DFSC Narinder Singh were also present.
Dasuya: Punjab Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Monday said the Chief Minister had directed the DCs to examine the damage to crops due to recent winds and hailstorm, assuring that every loss of the farmers would be duly compensated by the Punjab Government.
While taking stock of the ongoing procurement at Dasuya grain market along with MLA Karambir Singh Ghuman, the minister stated that 22,898 MT of wheat had arrived till day, of which about 21,521 MT had been purchased and payment of Rs 25.54 crore disbursed to the farmers.
Wheat procurement nears 1 lakh MT in Kapurthala dist
The wheat procurement process in Kapurthala district is progressing smoothly, with total purchases nearing the one lakh MT milestone. Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal reported a sharp surge in the arrival of wheat at the local mandis.
As of yesterday, 91,727 MT of wheat had arrived in mandis across the district, of which 88,533 MT had already been procured — amounting to 97% of the total arrival. The pace of arrivals has also accelerated significantly. On the previous day, 32,458 MT of wheat had reached mandis, with 31,521 MT being urchased.
Panchal assured that timely payments to farmers were being ensured alongside procurement. Within the stipulated 72-hour payment window, payments for 22,142 MT of procured wheat have been processed, an impressive 153% of the mandated target, he said.
So far, farmers in the district have received payments amounting to Rs125.71 crore.
Urging farmers to bring only dry wheat to the mandis, Panchal emphasised the importance of avoiding harvesting at night to ensure that the moisture content remained within permissible limits, thereby preventing delays.
Jalandhar