New Delhi, August 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Centre has agreed to lift 18 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of old grain stock lying in Punjab mandis by September 20, creating additional storage capacity ahead of the upcoming paddy procurement season, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said on Saturday.
Mann raised the issue during meetings with Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi and Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi. He said the state government had accelerated preparations for the Kharif Marketing Season 2026-27 and assured that farmers would face no difficulty in selling their produce.
With Punjab expected to contribute 170 LMT of good-quality rice to the national pool this year, Mann stressed that adequate storage and timely procurement arrangements were essential for both farmers and national food security.
Seeking the immediate movement of 18 LMT of rice, Mann said Punjab’s State Procurement Agencies had already delivered 86 LMT of rice to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) despite continuing space constraints.
“Creation of 18 LMT space will ensure that pending rice is delivered to FCI at the earliest. Timely completion of KMS 2025-26 rice delivery will also encourage rice millers for the ensuing season,” Mann said.
He added that Punjab had been among the leading contributors to the Centre’s Improved Rice Scheme and had already delivered more than 11.70 LMT of improved rice to the FCI.
The Chief Minister said preparations were underway for procurement of an estimated 180 LMT of paddy during the upcoming season.
Mann also urged the Centre to arrange immediate lifting of 27 LMT of wheat currently stored at rice mills and mandi yards in Punjab to other consuming states under central welfare schemes. He said this would create additional storage space for the incoming paddy crop.
“Preparations for yet another seamless procurement experience for our farmers are being ensured,” Mann said, adding that he had also sought timely payment to farmers for their produce.
Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Ravi Bhagat and other officials were present during the meetings.
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