Paddy arrival picks up pace in Ludhiana district grain markets

District’s grain markets are gradually witnessing an uptick in paddy arrivals as the harvesting season gains momentum. According to the official data, a total of 12,307.92 metric tonnes (MT) of paddy had reached various mandis across the district by Monday.

The highest arrival was recorded at Machhiwara (5,074.64 MT), followed by Samrala (3,340 MT) and Khanna (2,882 MT), indicating a steady but cautious start to the procurement season.

So far, no private purchases have taken place and government procurement agencies have collectively purchased 11,498.63 MT of the produce. Of this, 7,388.60 MT has already been lifted from mandis while the remaining stock awaits transportation and processing.

Farmers, however, are experiencing mixed emotions. While some have managed to sell their produce without delay, others are still waiting for their stock to be lifted.

Gurmeet Singh, a farmer from Samrala, said: “I had to clear my field for the next crop — potatoes. Hence, I sold my paddy early, though rates weren’t ideal. Timely procurement is crucial for us to keep the cropping cycle on track.”

On the other hand, Baldev Singh, a farmer from Khanna, expressed concern over delays in lifting.

“My paddy has been lying in the mandi for a day. I’m waiting for it to be lifted. The longer it stays, the more it risks getting damaged,” he said.

District officials have acknowledged the slow start but remain optimistic. Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain has urged farmers to bring only dry paddy to the mandis to ensure smooth procurement and avoid quality-related rejections. “We are committed to purchasing every grain brought to the mandis. Farmers must cooperate by ensuring their produce meets moisture norms,” the DC stated.

With the harvesting season entering its peak, the officials expect arrivals

to increase significantly

in coming days. The district administration has assured that all necessary arrangements, including labour, transport, and storage, are in place to handle the surge efficiently.

As the procurement process unfolds, farmers are hoping for timely payments, swift lifting and fair prices — all essential to sustaining their livelihoods and preparing for the next sowing cycle.