Paddy procurement begins at 48 mandis today

Government agencies will commence paddy procurement across Punjab, including Amritsar, from tomorrow (on Tuesday). As many as 48 mandis have been made operational, including five, in flood-affected Ajnala after dewatering and cleaning these.

The five mandis in Ajnala are at Chamiari village, which was converted into a rehabilitation centre for cattle, Sudhar, Chak Sikandar, Awan and Gaggomahal villages. She said the arrival of crops was not anticipated in these mandis till another 10 days, but the administration dewatered these and were now in the process of de-cluttering them.

In this regard, Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney today held a meeting with the District Food Supply Controller, the District Mandi Officer and officials of various procurement agencies to review the arrangements in the district.

She said 48 mandis have been notified in the district for smooth procurement. The government has fixed the MSP for paddy at Rs 2,389 per quintal and the permissible moisture content should not be more than 17 per cent. She appealed to the farmers to bring only dry paddy to the mandis to avoid any delays.

The Deputy Commissioner assured that the government will purchase every single grain produced by farmers while urging them not to rush, but to harvest only after properly drying the crop so that procurement can continue smoothly without hindrance.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Rohit Gupta said that labour and transportation tenders have also been finalised. “All arrangements are complete and we are fully prepared to start the procurement from tomorrow.”

He directed District Mandi Officer Amandeep Singh to ensure that moisture levels are checked at the mandi gates and only dry paddy is allowed inside.

On the occasion, District Food and Civil Supply Controller Amanjit Singh said the procurement agencies have been allotted mandis and assured that farmers, arhtiyas and other stakeholders will face no difficulties during the procurement process.

Gupta said meetings have already been held with farmers, arhtiyas (commission agents), combine operators and procurement agencies to ensure smooth operations.