Punjab’s Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, conducted a review of the ongoing wheat procurement process at the grain market in Rupnagar on Friday.
He noted that Punjab is witnessing a bumper wheat harvest this season, with an estimated 125 lakh metric tonnes expected to reach the markets.
Providing an update, Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak stated that 13.16 lakh metric tonnes of wheat have already arrived in the mandis, out of which 11 lakh metric tonnes have been procured. He added that ₹703 crore has been directly transferred into farmers’ accounts for the purchased grain.
He assured that under the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, payments are being made within 24 hours of purchase, and lifting of the stock is being done promptly. So far, no problems have been reported during his visits to the procurement centers.
Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak emphasized that if favorable weather conditions persist, the quality of the wheat is expected to remain high this season. All procurement agencies and commission agents have been instructed to arrange proper storage equipment, including tarpaulins and crates, to protect the grain from weather-related damage. Additionally, there is no shortage of gunny bags.
Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a hassle-free experience for farmers at the mandis. Following the Chief Minister’s directions, he is personally monitoring procurement operations to make sure no farmer or commission agent faces any inconvenience. Strict instructions have been issued to all officers involved to maintain efficiency and transparency.
During his visit, Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak also interacted with laborers, praising their hard work and dedication. He acknowledged their crucial role in crop handling and marketing and thanked them for their continued support. Highlighting the government’s pro-labor stance, he mentioned that their wages have been raised twice within a year—first from ₹1.80 to ₹2.21, and then by an additional 43 paise to ₹2.64, benefiting the labor community by around ₹10 crore.
To ensure smooth procurement, the Punjab government, under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, has prepared for the procurement of 130 lakh metric tonnes of wheat. The minister reaffirmed the state’s pledge to purchase every grain brought in by farmers at the Minimum Support Price.
The review meeting was also attended by Rupnagar MLA Advocate Dinesh Kumar Chadha, Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Singh Walia, SSP Gulneet Singh Khurana, Market Committee Chairman Bhag Singh Madan, District Food Supply Officer Dr. Kimmy Vaneet Kaur Sethi, Improvement Trust Chairman Shiv Kumar Lalpura, and other senior officials.