Punjab’s Wheat Procurement Surges Amid Record Harvest, Farmers Reap Benefits
Punjab is witnessing a remarkable surge in wheat procurement this season, with an anticipated arrival of 125 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) in the state’s grain markets. This marks a significant increase from previous years, underscoring the state’s commitment to supporting its agricultural sector.
Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, Lal Chand Kataruchak, recently visited the grain markets in Rupnagar to assess the ongoing procurement operations. He reported that, as of the latest figures, over 13 LMT of wheat have already arrived, with approximately 11 LMT purchased by government agencies. Farmers have received payments totaling around ₹703 crore, with funds credited to their accounts within 24 hours of delivery .
The Punjab government has set up 1,864 permanent procurement centers and 600 temporary ones to accommodate the bumper crop. Additionally, 5 lakh bundles of gunny bags have been arranged to ensure smooth operations .
Minister Kataruchak emphasized that the government’s priority is to ensure that every grain of wheat brought by farmers is purchased at the minimum support price (MSP) of ₹2,425 per quintal. He assured that there would be no laxity in the procurement process and that all necessary arrangements are in place to handle the increased volume of produce.
In recognition of the crucial role played by laborers in the procurement process, the Punjab government has increased their wages twice within a year. The remuneration has been raised from ₹1.80 to ₹2.21 per quintal, and most recently, to ₹2.64 per quintal. This increase is expected to benefit the labor community by approximately ₹10 crore .
The successful commencement of this year’s procurement season reflects the government’s proactive measures and the cooperative efforts of various departments. With favorable weather conditions contributing to the bumper harvest, the state is poised to achieve a record procurement, ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation for their produce.