Chandigarh, March 11:
The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to create ample storage space for the upcoming Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2025 – 26. Hence, it is important that the DFSCs must speed up the rice milling process connected with the previous Kharif season so as to ensure no hassles on the storage front during the 2025-26 Rabi season. Besides, foolproof alternate plans must be made for the proper storage of Wheat.
This was disclosed by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak here today at the Anaj Bhawan while taking stock of the arrangements in connection with the RMS 2025 – 26.
The e-KYC process with regard to the beneficiaries of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 should be completed in all respects before March 31st this year so as to enable every genuine benefciary to derive benefits of subsidized foodgrains said the Minister adding that this initiative should be made a widespread movement, said the Minister. He also directed that the distribution of the Wheat of ongoing NFSA/PMGKAY cycle also should in all respects be completed by March 31st as per the directives of the Government of India (GoI).
The Minister was apprised that target has been received for procuring of 124 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of wheat but robust arrangements regarding the procurement of 132 LMT have been done. Further, 1864 regular purchase centres have been opened and produce would be procured on the MSP of Rs. 2425 per quintal. The Gunny Bags upto the extent of 75 percent of the required quantity have been received and directions have been given for wooden crates to be readied by April 10th.
Divulging more, the Minister added that payments in timely manner should be prioritized for the farmers and adequate labour as well as the transportation arrangements should be done and care must be taken to ensure transparency in every transaction so as to make sure a successful and uninterrupted wheat procurement season for the 2025 – 26 period.
Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rahul Tiwari, Secretary cum Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, Additional Secretary Kamal Kumar Garg, AMD Pungrain Rakesh Popli and Additional Director Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar.
