Punjab News: Ahead of the upcoming paddy procurement season in Punjab, farmers have received some relief. The central government has agreed to clear 1.8 million metric tons of old grain stock lying in Punjab’s mandis by September 20th. This will free up space in mandis and storage centers, making it easier to store the upcoming paddy crop.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann met with Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Prahlad Joshi and Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi to discuss various issues related to Punjab. He raised the issue of adequate storage facilities for the upcoming paddy procurement season and ensuring farmers do not face any difficulties in selling their produce.
180 lakh metric tonnes of paddy is expected to be purchased.
The Chief Minister stated that due to the hard work of farmers, approximately 18 million metric tons of paddy is expected to be procured in Punjab this year. Therefore, it is essential to lift the grain already present in markets and storage centers on time.
Mann said Punjab is expecting to produce approximately 17 million metric tons of quality rice this year. Adequate storage space and improved procurement systems are crucial for Punjab’s farmers as well as the nation’s food security.
Till now 86 lakh metric tonnes of rice has been given to FCI
According to the Chief Minister, despite space constraints at the Food Corporation of India (FCI), Punjab’s state procurement agencies have already provided 8.6 million metric tons of rice to the FCI. He urged the central government to expedite the lifting of 1.8 million metric tons of old rice so that the pending stock can be delivered to the central pool in a timely manner.
He said that the timely delivery of rice for the 2025-26 season will also provide incentives to rice millers for the upcoming season. Punjab has already provided over 11.70 lakh metric tonnes of improved rice to the FCI.
There is also a demand to lift 27 lakh metric tonnes of wheat.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann made another demand to the central government: He said that approximately 2.7 million metric tons of wheat lying in Punjab’s rice mills and market yards under welfare schemes should also be sent to other consuming states soon.
This will provide additional storage space for the upcoming paddy crop in the state during the upcoming Kharif season 2026-27.
Farmers will not face any problem in selling their crops.
The Chief Minister said that the Punjab government has intensified its preparations for the smooth procurement of paddy. The government is striving to ensure that farmers do not face any difficulties in selling their crops and receive timely payments.
The central government has also been urged to ensure timely payment for farmers’ crops. The Chief Minister stated that Punjab is the nation’s granary and the state’s agricultural system plays a vital role in the nation’s food security. Therefore, ensuring timely storage, procurement, and lifting is the government’s priority.