Taking proactive steps nearly four months ahead of the 2025 paddy procurement season, the Punjab Government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has initiated a major move by forming a Group of Ministers (GoM) to oversee food grain procurement and ensure smooth operations for both wheat and paddy procurement. The GoM held its first meeting at Punjab Bhawan in Chandigarh today.
This ministerial group includes Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian as its Chairman, with Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, and Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal as members.
During the meeting, Principal Secretary of Food and Civil Supplies, Rahul Tiwari, presented the detailed planning underway to guarantee a seamless and hassle-free procurement season beginning on October 1, 2025, and continuing till mid-November.
On the crucial matter of storage space for the upcoming procurement drive, the GoM was informed that efforts are being intensified, with 40 Lakh Metric Tons (LMT) of space expected to be ready by December 2025 and a total of 82-83 LMT by June 2026.
Assuring stakeholders of government support, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian stated that all legitimate concerns of millers, arhtiyas (commission agents), and farmers will be addressed. Issues needing central government or FCI intervention will be raised at the highest level. He emphasized the state’s commitment to securing adequate storage space.
Khuddian also highlighted a key milestone: more than 100 LMT of rice has already been delivered, with a target of 117 LMT by July 31.
Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak noted that around 175-180 LMT of paddy is expected in the mandis during the upcoming Kharif Marketing Season, and preparations are in full swing for its proper handling. On storage, he informed that proposals for 46 LMT of additional godowns have been submitted to the Union Government, with the Chief Minister personally pursuing the matter.
He also advised farmers to use certified seeds and avoid spurious varieties. Reiterating the government’s promise to buy every grain at MSP, he recommended using combine harvesters only between 10 AM and 6 PM to maintain proper moisture levels.
Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar appealed to the Centre to ensure consistent movement of grains from Punjab’s godowns, stating that at least 12 LMT must be shifted monthly to make space for the new harvest.
Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal underlined that setting up the GoM reflects the state’s commitment to protecting farmers’ interests and supporting agriculture.
It was also shared that policies related to labour, cartage, and transportation have been finalized and sent for the state government’s approval.
Other key officials present included Principal Secretary Rahul Tewari, Secretary of Punjab Mandi Board Ramvir, PUNSUP MD Sonali Giri, Additional Director Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar, and GM (Finance) Sarvesh Kumar.