Ready mandis in dist for paddy procurement: Patiala DC

The mandis in the district are expected to receive 14.04 lakh metric tonnes of paddy during the upcoming Kharif season.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Preeti Yadav has directed the departments concerned to swiftly complete all necessary arrangements, including the availability of gunny bags, transportation, and storage, to ensure that farmers bringing their produce to the markets do not face any difficulty.

During a meeting with officials from procurement agencies and the Punjab Mandi Board, Dr Yadav mentioned that 109 mandis in the district had been designated as procurement centres. Temporary centres are also being finalised and would be set up at public places as and when needed. She emphasised that there should be no disruption to public movement during the procurement season.

During the meeting, Dr Yadav instructed District Mandi Officer Mandeep Singh to complete all essential preparations in the mandis before the procurement season begins, including cleaning, provision of water, tarpaulins and lighting. She stated that she would inspect the mandis to review the arrangements before the start of procurement. The DC stressed the immediate need to ensure cleanliness, proper drinking water facilities, bathroom hygiene and adequate lighting in the mandis. Additionally, she called for the special calibration of moisture measurement devices to ensure that the moisture content in the arriving produce does not exceed prescribed standards.