Arrangements in place to facilitate over 8 lakh farmers during wheat procurement: Lal Chand Kataruchak

Punjab Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today announced that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has made extensive preparations to facilitate over eight lakh farmers during the ongoing wheat procurement season in the state.

Chairing a review meeting with senior officials from four districts, Kataruchak also examined facilities for farmers, including cleanliness, drinking water availability, lighting and sheds at the mandis. He also directed officials to remain present in their respective mandis to ensure farmers face no hardships.

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

To cater to the massive arrival of crops, the state government has established 1,864 purchase centres (mandis) and around 600 temporary purchase centres across the state, where farmers can sell their wheat. He assured farmers that they would receive payments within 24 hours of procurement, with the government setting the MSP at Rs 2,425 per quintal.

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.