The Fact News Service
Phillaur (Jalandhar), April 22
Punjab Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Monday said that the state’s grain markets are witnessing a robust arrival of wheat, with an average of 10 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of the crop arriving daily across Punjab. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government to ensure a seamless and farmer-friendly wheat procurement season.
During his visit to Dana Mandi in Phillaur, the Minister inspected ongoing procurement operations and interacted with farmers present at the site. He informed that wheat procurement was approaching its peak, with over 37 lakh MT of wheat having already arrived at 1,864 designated purchase centres across the state. Of this, procurement agencies have purchased 33.50 lakh MTs at Minimum Support Price (MSP), amounting to Rs 2,425 per quintle.
Highlighting the government’s focus on timely payments, Kataruchak revealed that farmers have already received Rs 3,216 crore for their procured wheat, with a strong emphasis on disbursing payments within 24 hours of purchase.
Emphasizing the government’s inclusive approach, the Minister said that the welfare of all stakeholders, including labourers, is being taken care of. He said that a revision in labour rates was already done, increasing it from Rs 2.21 to Rs 2.64 per bag, in recognition of the estimated 25 crore bags to be handled this season. This revision is expected to generate around Rs. 10 crore in wages for mandi labourers.
While interacting with farmers, Kataruchak received positive feedback regarding the ongoing procurement. Farmer Paramjit Singh from Akalpur village praised the government for the smooth and prompt purchase of his crop, calling the entire process efficient and hassle-free. The Minister concluded by stating that the Government has set a target of procuring 124 lakh MT of wheat this season, amid reports of a bumper crop yield across the state.
On the occasion were present SDM Amanpal Singh, AAP leader Principal Prem Kumar, DMO Arvinder Singh and DFSC Narinder Singh.
