Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann meets Pralhad Joshi in Delhi to discuss 155 lakh MT grain lifting, RDF arrears, and CCL interest rate cuts for Punjab.
In a high-stakes meeting to safeguard the interests of Punjab’s agrarian economy, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi in the national capital on Friday. During his official visit, the Chief Minister advocated for the swift resolution of several long-pending issues that are critical to the welfare of the state’s farmers, traders, and rural infrastructure.
Demand for Immediate Lifting of 155 Lakh MT Food Grains
The primary focus of the discussion led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was the immediate evacuation of approximately 155 lakh metric tonnes of wheat and rice currently stored in Punjab’s warehouses. The Chief Minister pointed out that the lack of space in granaries is creating a bottleneck in the mandis (markets). He urged the Union Minister to accelerate the lifting process so that farmers do not face hurdles during the upcoming procurement season.
RDF Arrears and Financial Relief
Moving beyond grain logistics, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann raised the crucial matter of the Rural Development Fund (RDF). He requested the immediate release of the pending RDF arrears from the Central Government, emphasizing that these funds are vital for maintaining and developing rural infrastructure in Punjab.
Additionally, the Chief Minister addressed the financial burden on the state treasury by demanding a reduction in the high interest rates charged on Cash Credit Limits (CCL). He argued that a lower interest rate is essential for improving the state’s fiscal health and ensuring smooth payments to stakeholders.
ਅੱਜ ਦਿੱਲੀ ਵਿਖੇ ਕੇਂਦਰੀ ਖੁਰਾਕ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਪ੍ਰਹਿਲਾਦ ਜੋਸ਼ੀ ਜੀ ਨਾਲ ਅਹਿਮ ਮੁਲਾਕਾਤ ਕੀਤੀ। ਇਸ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਆੜ੍ਹਤੀਆਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਮੰਗਾਂ ਸਮੇਤ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨਾਲ ਸੰਬੰਧਿਤ ਕਈ ਅਹਿਮ ਮਸਲਿਆਂ ‘ਤੇ ਵਿਸਥਾਰ ਨਾਲ ਚਰਚਾ ਕੀਤੀ।
ਇਸ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਏ 155 ਲੱਖ ਮੀਟ੍ਰਿਕ ਟਨ ਕਣਕ ਤੇ ਚੌਲਾਂ ਦੀ ਜਲਦ ਚੁਕਾਈ ਅਤੇ RDF ਦੇ ਬਕਾਇਆ 9000 ਕਰੋੜ ਰੁਪਏ ਦੀ ਤੁਰੰਤ… pic.twitter.com/m5WFw62M4M
— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) April 10, 2026
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Key Agenda Items Discussed:
Grain Evacuation: Urgency in clearing 155 lakh MT of old grain stock.
RDF Dues: Prompt release of Rural Development Funds for village infrastructure.
CCL Interest Rates: Request to lower interest rates on credit limits to ease financial stress.
Commission Agents: Positive dialogue regarding the concerns of ‘Arhtiyas’ (middlemen) related to central policies.
Advocating for Farmers and Traders
Throughout the meeting, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann maintained that these demands are directly linked to the prosperity of Punjab’s farmers and the business community. He stated that the cooperation of the Union Government is necessary to ensure that the backbone of the state—the agricultural sector—remains resilient and profitable.
A Positive Outcome Expected
The meeting concluded on a cordial note, with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi listening to all grievances with a serious and constructive outlook. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed satisfaction with the interaction, noting that the Union Minister gave a positive response to the proposals. This meeting is seen as a significant step toward resolving the systemic issues affecting Punjab’s rural development and agricultural supply chain.
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