Paddy procurement picks up pace

The paddy procurement season is in full swing across the district, with grain markets witnessing a steady inflow of produce.

According to figures released by the Punjab Mandi Board, a total of 76,338.83 metric tonnes (MT) of paddy has arrived in district mandis so far. The Khanna grain market has recorded the highest arrival at 32,342 MT, reflecting its continued prominence in the region’s agricultural economy. The lowest arrival has been recorded at Sidhwan Bet mandi where only 307.50 MT has arrived.

Government agencies have procured 70,603.55 MT of the total arrival while no private purchases have been reported yet. However, 5,735.27 MT of paddy remains unsold, raising concerns among farmers about delayed lifting and price realisation. So far, 58,493.92 MT has been lifted from the mandis, with the procurement price fixed at ?2,389 per quintal.

While the numbers indicate a relatively smooth start, farmers on the ground are voicing concerns over grain quality and procurement norms. “The moisture content in our paddy has increased and grains have discoloured due to untimely rainfall just before harvesting,” said Gurpreet Singh, a farmer from Samrala. “We request the government to revise the moisture limit from 17 per cent to at least 22 per cent, so our produce isn’t rejected,” he said.

Many farmers also expressed frustration over the lack of private buyers, which has left them dependent solely on government agencies.

“There’s no competition in the market. Private players are staying away, and we’re forced to accept whatever terms are offered,” said Baldev Singh, who brought his crop to the Doraha mandi.

Despite these challenges, procurement officials maintain that lifting operations are being streamlined. “We’re coordinating with millers to ensure timely lifting and payments,” said a mandi supervisor at Khanna.

Farmer unions have also urged the administration to expedite compensation for flood-affected fields and ensure fair grading of produce.

“The government must recognise ground realities. Farmers are not only battling weather but also policy gaps,” said Harinder Singh Lakhowal, president of the BKU (Lakhowal).

As the season progresses, farmers hope for responsive action from procurement agencies and policy adjustments that reflect challenges posed by climate disruptions and market volatility.