Punjab surpasses procurement target: Minister

Punjab Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Lal Chand Kataruchak, said the state has surpassed its wheat procurement target for the season, thanks to a bumper harvest and efficient procurement operations. He credited the hard work of Punjab’s farmers for helping the state exceed its goal of procuring 124 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of wheat.

During a visit to the grain market in Kapurthala to review procurement progress, the Cabinet Minister said the Punjab Government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, had ensured smooth procurement by making timely arrangements for cash credit limits, gunny bags, lifting and market management.

Sharing the latest figures, he said around 90 LMT of wheat had arrived at the mandis so far, with state agencies including PUNSUP, Punjab State Warehouse Corporation, Markfed, and PUNGRAIN having procured nearly 82 LMT.

Emphasising the state’s commitment to supporting farmers, the minister stated, “Payments for procured wheat are being made within the stipulated 24-hour window.” He added that nearly 5 lakh farmers have brought their wheat to the markets, and payments totalling Rs 15,000 crore have already been made.

Addressing labour welfare, Kataruchak said the state government has increased loading charges to Rs 2.64 per gunny bag, following demands from labourers. This move, he said, will result in an additional Rs 10 crore in earnings for the workforce involved in procurement and transportation.

On being asked about the current wheat demand in the open market, the minister attributed the increase to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has disrupted global wheat supply. “The Punjab Government is committed to purchasing every grain of the farmers’ produce,” he assured.

He also touched upon compensation for wheat crops damaged by fire, stating Deputy Commissioners across districts have been directed to expedite relief measures to compensate affected farmers without delay.

While inspecting the market, the minister reviewed transport and lifting operations and issued instructions to accelerate the pace of grain movement. He interacted with farmers and commission agents, many of whom expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and timely payments.

Jalandhar