All in place to facilitate 8 lakh farmers during wheat procurement: Minister

The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister, Punjab, Lal Chand Kataruchak today announced that the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has made extensive preparations to facilitate over 8 lakh farmers during the ongoing wheat procurement season. The minister was chairing a review meeting with senior officials from four districts --Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.

Speaking to the media, the minister revealed that Punjab is set to witness a bumper wheat crop this year, with a target procurement of 124 lakh metric tonnes. He stated the government has already secured a cash credit limit of Rs 28,894 crore for wheat procurement for ensuring smooth operations throughout the season. The minister also mentioned that 99 per cent of the required bardana (sacks) has been arranged, alongside sufficient space and crates for efficient storage.

To cater to the massive arrival of crops, the government has established 1,864 purchase centres (mandis) across the state, where farmers can sell their wheat. In light of the bumper crop, around 600 temporary purchase centres have also been set up. Kataruchak assured farmers that they would receive payments within 24 hours of procurement, with the government setting the Minimum Support Price (MSP) at Rs 2,425 per quintal.

Disclosing district-specific procurement targets, he stated that over 3.14 lakh MT of wheat is expected to arrive in Hoshiarpur, while Jalandhar, Kapurthala and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar will contribute 5.25 lakh MT, 3.61 lakh MT, and 2.64 lakh MT, respectively.

The minister emphasised the government’s commitment to purchasing every single grain brought by farmers, stressing that no negligence would be tolerated in the procurement process. He highlighted the government’s efforts over the past three years to streamline wheat and paddy procurement operations.

In the review meeting, Kataruchak also examined facilities for farmers, including cleanliness, drinking water availability, lighting, and sheds at the mandis. He directed the officials to remain present in their respective mandis throughout the season to ensure farmers face no hardships during this period.