Chandigarh/Rajpura, April 3:
Punjab’s Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak today officially launched the government procurement of wheat in the state from Rajpura Grain Market.
Marking the commencement of the procurement season, Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak personally oversaw the auction of wheat brought in by Harwinder Singh, a farmer from village Bhapal, and extended a warm welcome to farmers on behalf of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. On the occasion Rajpura MLA Neena Mittal, Department Secretary Rahul Tiwari, Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav, among other officials were also present with the Minister.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak announced that Punjab has received a cash credit limit of ₹28,894 crore from the Reserve Bank of India, ensuring smooth procurement of wheat at a MSP of ₹2,425 per quintal.
He emphasized that, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state government has made comprehensive arrangements to facilitate farmers during the procurement process. Punjab’s 1,865 mandis are fully equipped, and 600 additional temporary procurement centers have been set up to handle excess arrivals if required. He also assured that 5 lakh bales of gunny bags have been arranged to support the procurement operations.
Highlighting the expected bumper wheat crop this season, Mr. Kataruchak stated that the Food Corporation of India has set a procurement target of 124 lakh metric tonnes for Punjab, which is anticipated to be met comfortably.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the farming community, he urged farmers to bring their crops to the mandis at the earliest, assuring them that every single grain of wheat would be procured without delay. He also pledged that labourers and farmers would not face any difficulties, with the Food and Civil Supplies Department, district administrations, and other concerned departments working in full coordination to ensure smooth procurement operations.
On the occasion ADC Navreet Kaur Sekhon, Punjab Aarthiya Association President Ravinder Singh Cheema, District Patiala Aarthiya Association President Jaswinder Singh Rana, Grain Market President Davinder Singh Vaidwan, and other dignitaries were also present.
