Paddy lifting picks up in Fatehgarh Sahib grain markets, says DC

Procurement and lifting of paddy at all 32 centers in the district have picked pace as 160 of the 180 rice mills have signed a contract with procurement agencies after an assurance from Deputy Commissioner Sona Thind, said Inderjit Singh Sandhu, District President Rice Millers’ Association.

He said the DC had assured that the millers will be allotted paddy as per their wish and they will not be forced to lift the paddy.

The DC said rice millers had certain apprehensions and she assured them that they will not face any problem.

Thind said her visit to grain markets, along with the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), had boosted the morale of all stakeholders.

No one will be allowed to fleece the farmers and disrupt the procurement process, she said, adding that on their request the farmers have started bringing paddy as per specifications, the commission agents have started procurement and the rice millers have begun lifting the procured paddy.

She said the situation will become normal in the district soon.

SSP Ravjot Grewal assured all stakeholders that strict action will be taken if anyone tries to disrupt the procurement process.

“If they have any issues regarding procurement, they can bring it to our notice and it will be sorted out immediately,” the police official added.