DC, SSP conduct surprise checks at mandis in dist

Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal and SSP Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh today conducted surprise inspections at several grain markets across the district. The visit aimed at reviewing the ongoing operations and addressing any challenges being faced by farmers during the procurement of their crop.

Speaking during the inspection, Dr Aggarwal reaffirmed the Punjab Government’s commitment to purchasing every grain brought by the farmers into the mandis. He noted that the administration had implemented thorough arrangements to ensure an efficient procurement experience. Over Rs 600 crore had already been disbursed to farmers for their procured crops, with smooth lifting processes in place, he added. The DC emphasised the ongoing coordination between the administration, farmers, commission agents and rice millers to address any concerns promptly.

Engaging directly with farmers, the DC and SSP collected valuable feedback to further enhance the procurement experience. Dr Aggarwal also highlighted the regular visits by the district’s SDMs and DSPs to monitor market activities and maintain a transparent feedback mechanism, reassuring farmers of accessible support channels.

SSP Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh added that police teams were actively supporting the district administration in its efforts to streamline the procurement operations, with the DSPs maintaining close communication with the SDMs to address any field challenges they might be facing.

Addressing recent rumours about blacklisting of a few rice mills in Nakodar, the DC called the reports ‘false and baseless’. He cautioned the public against misinformation that could disrupt government efforts. Dr Aggarwal said no rice mills had been blacklisted, a statement echoed by Raj Kumar Sohal, district president of the Rice Miller Association. Sohal urged millers to ignore such baseless rumours.