Slow paddy arrival in mandis, to gain pace in Oct

Despite procurement operations beginning two weeks ago, the paddy arrival in mandis remains sluggish. So far, only 10,775 metric tonnes (MT) of paddy have been reported from villages across the district, with 9,660 MT already procured. However, officials say that it will pick up in October.

At the main grain market alone, 12,335 quintals of paddy have arrived. The district has a total of 79 mandis. Farmers also said due to adverse weather conditions, the lower yield of paddy crop was reported.

Arhtiyas (commission agents) mentioned that some farmers initially brought in high-moisture paddy, but the issue is now largely resolved as the grain is drying well under the sun.

A visit to the main grain market revealed low farmer turnout — only two farmers, Lachman Singh and Balwinder Singh from Lamma Pind -- were present. “We have brought all our crop and it has already been purchased,” they said.

In Nawanshahr, a neighboring district, 30 permanent grain markets and 10 temporary procurement centres have been set up. So far, 5,227 MT of paddy have arrived, out of which around 4,395 MT (approximately 84%) has been procured.