Punjab paddy procurement reaches 7.5 lakh MT as 8.5 lakh MT arrives in mandis, with timely payments and smooth procurement arrangements assured.
Punjab paddy procurement has gained momentum across the state, with nearly 8.50 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of paddy reaching grain markets so far. Government agencies have already procured around 7.50 lakh MT of the total arrivals, according to Punjab Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak.
Kataruchak reviewed the procurement arrangements at the Jagraon grain market in Ludhiana district. Jagraon MLA Sarvjit Kaur Manuke accompanied the minister during his visit and took stock of the facilities available for farmers and commission agents.
Punjab Sets 180 Lakh MT Procurement Target
The minister said the state government has set a target of procuring 180 lakh MT of paddy during the 2026-27 procurement season. Farmers are being paid Rs 2,461 per quintal for their produce.
Kataruchak said financial arrangements have also been put in place to ensure that farmers receive payments without unnecessary delays. The Reserve Bank of India has released a Cash Credit Limit (CCL) of Rs 42,786.68 crore for paddy procurement.
According to the minister, adequate stocks of bardana or gunny bags have also reached the grain markets to support uninterrupted procurement operations.
Government Assures Farmers of Smooth Procurement
The minister assured farmers that the Punjab government would procure every grain of the state’s crop. He also said strict measures were being taken to prevent paddy from other states from entering Punjab’s mandis.
Kataruchak directed officials to ensure that farmers and commission agents do not encounter difficulties related to transportation, lifting, payments or availability of bardana. He stressed that farmers, whom he described as the state’s “Annadatas,” must be treated with respect at every stage of the procurement process.
As part of the ongoing review, the minister said he has been visiting grain markets across Punjab on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. Ludhiana has become the 11th district covered during his procurement-related visits.
Paddy Payments to Reach Farmers Within 24 Hours
The minister said payments for procured paddy are being transferred directly into farmers’ bank accounts within 24 hours. He instructed officials to closely monitor the procurement process so that there is no disruption in payment, transportation, lifting or storage arrangements.
Kataruchak also appealed to farmers to bring clean and properly dried paddy to the mandis. He said doing so would help agencies complete procurement without unnecessary delays.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the arrangements at the Jagraon grain market, describing it as one of the important grain markets in the region.
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Jagraon Mandi Gets Major Facilities
During the inspection, Kataruchak appreciated the arrangements made at the Jagraon market. He particularly highlighted the lighting facilities installed at a cost of approximately Rs 2.5 crore, with the efforts of MLA Sarvjit Kaur Manuke.
The visit was attended by Market Committee Jagraon Chairman Kulwinder Singh Jhajj, Food and Civil Supplies Department Deputy Director Dr Navneet, District Food Supply Controller (Ludhiana West) Sartaj Singh Cheema, Arhtiya Association Jagraon president Jagpal Singh Kaler and Rice Mill Association president Hari Om Mittal.
Several commission agents and farmers were also present during the minister’s inspection.
With arrivals continuing across the state, Punjab paddy procurement is being closely monitored by the government to ensure timely lifting, smooth transportation and quick payments. Officials have been directed to remain vigilant throughout the procurement season so that farmers do not face avoidable difficulties.
The government has reiterated that Punjab paddy procurement will remain focused on ensuring that farmers receive timely payments and that the state’s entire eligible crop is purchased through the designated procurement system.
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