Chandigarh, July 10, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
In a concerted effort to streamline the upcoming Kharif procurement season, a high-level Group of Ministers (GoM) formed by the Punjab Government held a crucial meeting with the state’s rice millers, aiming to resolve their concerns and boost coordination.
Chairing the meeting, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment to making advance and effective arrangements to ensure hassle-free procurement of wheat and paddy. He emphasized that all stakeholders — including millers, farmers, arhtiyas, and labourers — are being considered partners in Punjab’s agricultural development.
“As sowing begins, we are proactively addressing every issue raised by rice millers. This approach aligns with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision for a robust, transparent procurement ecosystem,” Khudian said.
Early Preparations and Foodgrain Movement
Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak acknowledged the rice millers’ appreciation for the government’s early planning. He added that Chief Minister Mann will soon meet Union Minister Pralhad Joshi in Delhi to discuss federal matters affecting the milling community.
Kataruchak also shared that the government has successfully moved 105 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of foodgrains out of the state — a critical step to free up storage space ahead of the heavy inflow expected during the harvest.
Stakeholder-Centric Approach
Transport and Jails Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar noted that rice millers are the backbone of the procurement system, and the government is designing all steps with their well-being in mind. Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal echoed this sentiment, stating that the Punjab Government views every stakeholder as an “active contributor” not just in procurement but in the state’s holistic development.
Administrative Leadership in Attendance
The meeting also saw participation from top state officials, including:
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Rahul Tiwari, Principal Secretary, Food and Civil Supplies
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Varinder Kumar Sharma, Director, Food and Civil Supplies
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Ramvir, Secretary, Punjab Mandi Board
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Sonali Giri, MD, PUNSUP
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And representatives from the rice miller community
This inclusive, dialogue-driven approach reaffirms Punjab’s dedication to agricultural excellence, food security, and collaborative governance.
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