The Fact News Service
Rajpura, October 4
The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today kickstarted the paddy procurement from the Rajpura Mandi. He said that as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, hassle-free procurement operations would be ensured by the department as the State Government is fully committed to procure every single bale of Grain produced by the farmers. On the occasion, the Minister formally started the procurement by initiating the purchase of the crop brought to the mandi by farmer Sharanjit Singh of Rangian village.
The Minister said that as per the directions of the Chief Minister, procurement, lifting and payments are being done through digital methods.
Divulging more, the Minister said that during the Kharif Marketing Season 2023-24, the Punjab Government has fixed MSP of Paddy at Rs. 2203 per quintal. The procurement agencies such as Pungrain, Markfed, Punsup, PSWC in league with the FCI are procuring the paddy at notified 1854 purchase centres as per the standards fixed by the Union Government. He further added that till October 3rd, 112000 MT of paddy has reached the mandis out of which 77000 MT has been purchased with Rs. 43 crore credited into the accounts of the farmers. Biometric system has been implemented and nakas set up at important places to stop crops from other States thus protecting the interests of Punjab farmers.
Among others present on the occasion included the MLA Neena Mittal, Gurlal Ghanour, Director Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Ghanshyam Thori, Chairman District Planning Committee Jassi Sohian Wala, ADC General Jagjit Singh and SDM Parleen Kaur Brar, DFSC Dr. Ravinder Kaur.
