Punjab Celebrates Kharif Marketing Success with Mansa Topping Rankings, Followed by Fazilka and Pathankot
Chandigarh, January 9: In a commendable show of efficiency and dedication, Punjab’s Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department celebrated the successful culmination of the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2023-24. Lauding the efforts of his team, Punjab’s Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak acknowledged the dedication of department staff in handling seasonal challenges and ensuring that farmers received prompt support. Kataruchak expressed optimism that this momentum would carry into the upcoming KMS 2024-25.
During a high-level departmental review meeting, Minister Kataruchak highlighted the critical role of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, which has a close connection with the agricultural community, the foundation of Punjab’s economy. “Farmers want two things above all: the timely lifting of their produce and prompt payments. I am proud to say that our department has fulfilled these expectations,” he remarked.
The Minister took the opportunity to recognize the top-performing districts in this year’s procurement season, awarding Mansa with the first prize for exemplary management and support to farmers. The award for second place went to Fazilka, while Pathankot earned the third position. District Food Supply Controller (DFSC) Mandeep Singh from Mansa was honored for securing the top spot, DFSC Himanshu from Fazilka received second place, and DFSC Gurinder Singh from Pathankot took third. These awards were given in acknowledgment of their commitment to ensuring the efficient and seamless operation of crop lifting and farmer payments.
As the event coincided with the festival of Lohri, the occasion was marked by lively celebrations, with staff and officials gathering to celebrate their achievements to the beats of traditional dhol music. This festive celebration recognized not only the accomplishments of the season but also the resilience and teamwork within the department.
Secretary of the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department, Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, joined in honoring the teams and extended his congratulations to all the officers for their hard work. He emphasized the department’s role in supporting Punjab’s farmers through systematic planning and execution in each season. Puneet Goyal, Director of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, PUNSUP’s Managing Director Sonali Giri, MD of Punjab State Warehousing Corporation Kanwalpreet Kaur Brar, and other senior officers were also present at the event, applauding the collaborative efforts that led to this season’s achievements.
Looking ahead, Minister Kataruchak expressed confidence in maintaining these standards and continuing improvements to help Punjab’s agricultural community. He remarked that timely crop procurement, efficient management, and direct support to farmers remain the top priorities. With this milestone, the department aims to establish a seamless model for future procurement seasons.
The success of KMS 2023-24 underscores the government’s commitment to supporting Punjab’s agrarian economy, ensuring that the backbone of the state’s economy—its farmers—receives the necessary assistance to thrive.
