Speed up paddy lifting: DC to officials

Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal today directed officials to expedite the lifting of paddy from grain markets while reviewing the ongoing paddy procurement process in the district.

Presiding over a meeting with officials of the District Food and Civil Supplies Department and the District Mandi Board at the District Administrative Complex, the DC emphasised ensuring timely lifting of the procured paddy from all grain markets.

He said the arrival of paddy in the mandis is expected to increase in the coming days, therefore, there should be no delay in lifting the procured crop.

Dr Aggarwal said till last evening, 64,931 metric tonne of paddy had arrived in the district’s mandis of which 61,397 metric tonne had already been procured by various agencies. He stated that PUNGRAIN has purchased 20,033 metric tonnes, MARKFED 23,019 metric tonnes, PUNSUP 12,992 metric tonnes, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation 4,799 metric tonnes, FCI 479 metric tonnes, and private traders have purchased 75 metric tonnes of paddy.

He added that payment of Rs144 crore has already been ensured to farmers for the procured paddy.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to purchase every single grain of the farmers’ produce, the DC said the administration is committed to ensuring a smooth and hassle-free procurement season.

He also appealed to farmers to bring dry paddy to the mandis and ensure that the moisture content in the crop strictly adheres to the government’s prescribed limit so that the procurement process can continue seamlessly.