Bring fully matured paddy to mandis: Kapurthala DC

Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal on Saturday reviewed the ongoing paddy procurement operations and flood relief measures across Kapurthala district.

Addressing the status of procurement, the DC stated that paddy arrivals in local grain markets are expected to increase in the coming days. Adequate arrangements have been made in the mandis, with procurement agencies allocated to designated markets and sufficient stocks of gunny bags ensured. The district began paddy procurement on September 16.

On Monday, 100 metric tonnes (MT) of paddy arrived in the markets, out of which 88 MT was procured by government agencies. The district has set a procurement target of 8.20 lakh MT for the current season. Panchal urged farmers to bring only fully matured and properly dried paddy to the mandis to avoid any complications. He also instructed officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department, Mandi Board and procurement agencies to conduct regular inspections to promptly address any issues raised by farmers, commission agents, or labourers.

In the review of flood relief and health measures, the DC directed the Health Department and municipal councils to carry out daily fogging operations in flood-affected villages to curb the spread of diseases. Health officials informed him that door-to-door health check-ups are underway and that a permanent medical camp has been established at Gurdwara Sahib, Baupur.

The DC further instructed ASHA workers to spread awareness about post-flood health risks such as skin infections, water-borne diseases and dengue, and to ensure the distribution of essential medicines. The Water Supply Department was directed to conduct regular water sampling and ensure the supply of clean drinking water through tankers in the affected areas.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Navneet Kaur Bal, SDMs and officials from the Health and Water Supply departments were also present during the review.