Kharar (SAS Nagar), October 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Monday said the state government has made comprehensive arrangements for smooth and hassle-free paddy procurement across Punjab, with 3.44 lakh metric tonnes already procured against total arrivals of 3.83 lakh MT.
Reviewing procurement arrangements at the Kharar grain market, Kataruchak said farmers had so far been paid Rs 188 crore for the procured crop. He assured farmers that there was no shortage of gunny bags and said the pace of lifting would be accelerated in the coming days.
The minister said Punjab was expected to comfortably meet its target of procuring 180 lakh MT of paddy for the government quota. He added that the Reserve Bank of India had sanctioned a Cash Credit Limit of Rs 42,786 crore, ensuring adequate financial resources for procurement operations.
During his visit, Kataruchak interacted with farmers, arhtiyas and other stakeholders to assess arrangements and understand issues at the ground level. In his presence, PUNSUP purchased paddy brought to the mandi by farmer Mandeep Singh of Tripri village.
The minister directed procurement agencies to ensure that payments are credited to farmers’ bank accounts within 24 hours of purchase entries being recorded. He stressed close coordination among all agencies to ensure timely procurement, lifting and payments.
AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang, who accompanied the minister, said the existing paddy stock in Punjab would be cleared through coordination with the Union Ministry of Food and Public Distribution. He said Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had already written to Union Food Minister Prahlad Joshi regarding the issue.
Kang said the existing stock belonged to the government quota and that the Centre should facilitate its clearance to ensure adequate storage space for the incoming crop.
Punjab Youth Development Board Chairman Parminder Singh Goldy said local-level issues were being resolved through coordination among departments to ensure farmers faced no inconvenience at mandis.
Market Committee Kharar Chairman Sukhjinder Singh Bittu also briefed the minister about arrangements at the market.
SDM Kharar Gurmeet Singh, District Food and Civil Supplies Controller Varinder Kumar, officials of procurement agencies, Mandi Board officials and other concerned officers were present during the visit.
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