CM Bhagwant Mann Directs Acceleration of Food Grain Stock Movement to Prevent Storage Issues in Punjab

Chandigarh, February 17, 2025 – Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has directed the Department of Food and Civil Supplies to accelerate the process of liquidation and movement of food grain stocks from the state. The move aims to prevent storage constraints in the upcoming Rabi season and ensure that procurement operations continue without disruption.

During a high-level review meeting held at his official residence, the Chief Minister emphasized the pressing need to clear storage space ahead of the next procurement cycle. The previous season witnessed severe storage shortages, affecting the timely lifting and procurement of grains from mandis. Acknowledging this challenge, the state government is actively working on expanding storage infrastructure, with plans to establish covered godowns capable of storing 60 lakh metric tons (LMT) of food grains over the coming months.

Mann reaffirmed that Punjab, as a key contributor to India’s food security, has a moral and administrative responsibility to ensure a smooth and efficient procurement process for farmers. He assured that the state government remains committed to preventing any hindrance in grain procurement and storage, thereby safeguarding the interests of Punjab’s agricultural community.

The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of cooperation from the Union government, urging it to expedite the movement of wheat and rice stocks from Punjab. This, he noted, is crucial to freeing up storage capacity for both the ongoing Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25 and the upcoming Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2025-26. As per official figures, 171.86 LMT of paddy was stored in Punjab during the KMS 2024-25 season, of which 116.30 LMT is designated for rice delivery. However, as of now, only 33.74 LMT (29.02%) has been dispatched, leaving a significant backlog of 82.53 LMT that must be cleared by March 31, 2025.

The lack of sufficient railway rakes has further complicated the situation. The Punjab government had requested 1,635 rice specials (dedicated railway rakes) for February, yet only 197 have been planned by the Food Corporation of India (FCI), with just 109 provided thus far. Mann expressed concern over this logistical shortfall, stating that the issue will be raised with the Union government at the earliest to prevent further delays in stock movement.

Additionally, certain districts—Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Patiala, and Moga—are facing acute storage constraints. The state administration, alongside district officials and field staff, is actively exploring alternative storage solutions and implementing contingency plans to mitigate potential disruptions in procurement.

Chief Minister Mann reiterated the Punjab government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a seamless procurement process in the coming seasons. The state administration is prepared to take every possible measure to address storage and logistical challenges while advocating for greater cooperation from the central government. With the Rabi season approaching, Mann reassured farmers that their interests remain a top priority, and the government will leave no stone unturned to facilitate hassle-free procurement and transportation of food grains.

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