IEP Chandigarh, March 30
The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stands fully committed to ensure seamless procurement of wheat during the upcoming Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) commencing from April 1, 2023 and has made robust arrangements regarding the same across all the mandis of the State. The Cash Credit Limit (CCL) of Rs. 29,000 crore has been approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) towards smooth procurement process, disclosed the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak here today. Further, the payments to the farmers would be ensured from the first day itself, said the Minister adding that every single bale of foodgrain would be procured. Also, the vehicle tracking systems have been mandated in all the transport vehicles used for ferrying wheat from the purchase centre to the storage point in order to check recycling of wheat. Elaborating on the measures being put in place for the welfare of the farmers, the Minister said the first-aid kits are being provided in all the purchase centres so that any untoward incident is handled with care and on priority. Adequate arrangements for drinking water and toilets have been made in the purchase centres by the Mandi Board. The Minister also divulged that the government shall ensure that procurement operations are resumed within 24 hours of stoppage of rain in any part of the state. The market committees have been asked to coordinate with the municipal committees and ensure that suction machines and adequate labour is available in the event of any rainfall during the purchase period. The Minister directed the District level officers connected with the procurement arrangements to keep strict vigil in the mandis so as to make sure that the farmers don’t encounter any problem. The Minister appealed to the farmers to bring dry and mature grain into the purchase centres so that there is no delay in purchasing it.
