DC reaffirms commitment to hassle-free paddy procurement

Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain on Thursday reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and efficient paddy procurement process to support farmers.

During a review of the ongoing paddy procurement operations in the district, Jain emphasised the administration’s dedication to lifting every grain of paddy promptly and without hassle.

The administration has implemented comprehensive measures to ensure swift collection of farmers’ harvests from grain markets.

Jain noted that all Sub Divisional Magistrates and heads of procurement agencies have been directed to personally oversee operations to maintain efficiency and transparency. According to the latest figures, the district had so far recorded an arrival of 69,847 metric tons (MT) of paddy this season, with agencies procuring 63,431 MT from grain markets. Payments amounting to Rs 151.94 crores had already been disbursed to farmers, he said.

To further streamline the process, the DC highlighted that arrangements were in place for the immediate lifting of food grains from markets. He urged farmers to bring paddy with a moisture content of 17 per cent or lower to the mandis to ensure quality and facilitate smooth procurement.

Additionally, Jain called for strict compliance with combine harvester operating hours (10am to 6pm) to minimise crop moisture levels, warning that violations could lead to penalties, including equipment seizure.