The Punjab Government is making consistent efforts to address the concerns of rice millers and other stakeholders involved in the procurement process, according to the Group of Ministers (GoM). Emphasizing that all participants in the procurement chain are valued partners in Punjab’s development, the government has already moved 105 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of foodgrains out of the state to free up storage capacity.
In a high-level meeting convened to ensure smooth wheat and paddy procurement, the GoM held detailed discussions with rice millers to listen to their issues and offer clarity on the government’s plans. Chairing the meeting, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian reiterated that the government, under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, is working proactively to ensure an efficient Kharif procurement season. As the sowing period is underway, special attention is being paid to millers’ concerns and suggestions to streamline the procurement process.
ਕਣਕ ਅਤੇ ਝੋਨੇ ਦੀ ਨਿਰਵਿਘਨ ਅਤੇ ਮੁਸ਼ਕਿਲ ਰਹਿਤ ਖ਼ਰੀਦ ਨੂੰ ਯਕੀਨੀ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਗਠਿਤ ਕੀਤੇ ਗਏ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਸਮੂਹ ਨੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਚੌਲ ਮਿੱਲਰਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਮੀਟਿੰਗ ਕਰਕੇ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਚਿੰਤਾਵਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਮੁੱਦਿਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਗੌਰ ਨਾਲ ਸੁਣਿਆ ਅਤੇ ਜਾਇਜ਼ ਮੰਗਾਂ ਦੇ ਜਲਦੀ ਹੱਲ ਦਾ ਭਰੋਸਾ ਦਿੱਤਾ। ਕਿਸਾਨਾਂ, ਚੌਲ ਮਿੱਲਰਾਂ, ਆੜ੍ਹਤੀਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਮਜ਼ਦੂਰਾਂ ਸਮੇਤ ਸਾਰੇ… pic.twitter.com/K6uuEC8ojU
— Government of Punjab (@PbGovtIndia) July 11, 2025
Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak highlighted that preparations for the upcoming paddy season have been initiated well in advance, and millers have acknowledged this timely planning. He also informed that CM Mann is actively engaging with the central government and will soon meet Union Minister Pralhad Joshi to address matters under the Centre’s purview.
Reassuring farmers, millers, commission agents (Arhtiyas), and laborers, the minister confirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling their legitimate demands. Transport and Jails Minister Mr. Laljit Singh Bhullar recognized the critical role of rice millers in the procurement process and affirmed that all policy decisions are being crafted with their welfare in mind. Water Resources Minister Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal added that the government considers all stakeholders vital not just to procurement, but to the broader development of Punjab.
Also present at the meeting were Principal Secretary Rahul Tiwari, Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Ramvir, MD PUNSUP Sonali Giri, along with various rice miller representatives.