Ministers Meet Aarthia Association Ahead of Procurement Season
As Punjab gears up for the upcoming Kharif paddy procurement season, the state government has announced a major step to ensure fairness and efficiency in grain markets. Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, leading a Group of Ministers (GoMs), held a crucial meeting with the Federation of Aarthia Association of Punjab at Punjab Bhawan on Monday.
The meeting was attended by senior ministers including Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar. The delegation from the Aarthia Association was led by its president, Vijay Kalra. During the discussions, ministers assured that the Punjab Government remains committed to resolving all legitimate concerns of the Aarthias and providing a hassle-free procurement experience for farmers.
Standardising Moisture Measurement in Paddy
A major outcome of the meeting was the decision to install Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana-calibrated moisture meters in all grain markets. This initiative aims to bring transparency and uniformity in assessing moisture content in paddy crops, a long-standing demand of Aarthias and farmers alike.
Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian explained that moisture measurement has often been a contentious issue during procurement. By deploying PAU-approved meters, the state aims to ensure that farmers receive fair value for their produce without disputes over moisture levels.
The Aarthia Association also suggested fixed combine harvesting hours from 10 am to 6 pm. According to them, regulated hours would help streamline harvesting and reduce variation in crop moisture content, making the procurement process smoother.
Government Promises Better Infrastructure in Mandis
During the meeting, ministers assured Aarthias that grain markets will be fully equipped before procurement begins. Necessary infrastructure such as sheds, drinking water facilities, sanitation services, and reliable electricity supply will be ensured across mandis.
“The Punjab Government is fully committed to safeguarding the interests of farmers as well as Aarthias,” the ministers said. They underlined that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has been personally monitoring preparations for procurement operations.
The ministers also acknowledged the critical role of Aarthias in facilitating procurement, describing them as an integral part of Punjab’s agricultural economy.
Aarthia Association Welcomes Government Steps
The Federation of Aarthia Association expressed appreciation for the government’s responsiveness to their concerns. They particularly welcomed the recent 10% increase in mandi labour rates announced by the Punjab Government, calling it a step that will directly benefit the agricultural marketing ecosystem.
Association president Vijay Kalra thanked the ministers for taking up the issues seriously and for agreeing to address them ahead of the procurement season.
Senior Officials Join Strategy Meeting
The meeting was also attended by key administrative officials, including Agriculture Secretary Dr Basant Garg, Punjab Mandi Board Secretary Ramvir, PUNSUP Managing Director Sonali Giri, and Food and Civil Supplies Director Varinder Kumar Sharma. Their presence reflected the government’s coordinated approach to ensuring readiness for the procurement season.
Officials confirmed that coordination among various departments has already begun and that any challenges raised by stakeholders will be addressed on priority.
Looking Ahead to Procurement Season
Punjab, one of India’s largest contributors to the central food grain pool, begins paddy procurement in October. Smooth operations are critical to both farmers and Aarthias, who act as commission agents in grain markets.
With the decision to install PAU-calibrated moisture meters, set up relief infrastructure, and regulate harvesting practices, the Punjab Government hopes to prevent disputes and ensure transparent procurement.
As preparations intensify, the state leadership has reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests of farmers, ensuring timely payments, and maintaining efficient grain market operations.