Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Prioritizes Paddy Procurement, Chairs Critical Meeting Post Hospitalization

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Prioritizes Paddy Procurement, Chairs Critical Meeting Post Hospitalization

Chandigarh, September 29: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann demonstrated unwavering commitment to the state’s farmers, chairing a crucial meeting just hours after being discharged from the hospital. The focus of the meeting was to review and ensure the smooth procurement process for the upcoming Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) beginning on October 1, 2024. The Punjab government is prepared to procure around 185 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of paddy, cultivated across 32 lakh hectares in the state.

Mann reassured that all mechanisms for seamless paddy procurement and lifting are in place, with agencies like Pungrain, Markfed, Punsup, PSWC, and FCI gearing up to procure paddy at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹2,320 per quintal for Grade ‘A’ paddy, as set by the Government of India. The state has secured a Cash Credit Limit (CCL) of ₹41,378 crore from the Reserve Bank of India for this procurement season, further solidifying its readiness.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister instructed Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to closely monitor the procurement operations in their respective districts, ensuring no inconvenience to farmers. He emphasized the importance of immediate payments to farmers’ bank accounts once their produce is brought to mandis and the swift lifting of paddy from markets to avoid stockpiling. Mann further directed DCs to visit 7-8 mandis daily and submit regular reports on the ground-level activities.

In a strategic move, Mann announced an incentive for the first 750 rice millers who apply for custom milling, offering them 25% more paddy than their entitlement as per policy. This decision is expected to accelerate the milling process and ensure prompt handling of the harvested paddy.

The Punjab government’s meticulous planning and commitment reflect its dedication to ensuring a smooth, hassle-free procurement process for farmers during this crucial period. CM Mann assured that the state is “duty-bound” to lift every grain of the farmers’ produce promptly, reinforcing the government’s priority to support the backbone of the state’s economy.

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