CHANDIGARH — The Punjab government has urged the Central Government to accelerate monthly foodgrain movement. State authorities requested the immediate transfer of at least 12 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat and paddy every month.
Punjab Foodgrain Storage & Logistics Overview
├──► Total Covered Space : 181 LMT (includes silos & godowns)
├──► Total Open Space : 68 LMT (CAP storage facilities)
├──► Current Lift Rate : ~5 LMT per month (FCI operations)
├──► Demanded Lift Rate : 12 LMT per month (wheat and paddy)
└──► Target Paddy Proc. : 180 LMT at MSP ₹2,462/quintal
This crucial demand emerged during a high-level Group of Ministers (GoM) meeting. Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Food Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, and Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal led the comprehensive review.
Also Read : Punjab Social Security Schemes Release ₹2,150 Crore in Welfare Funds
During the session, ministers reviewed administrative readiness for the upcoming 2026–27 paddy procurement season and the 2027–28 wheat procurement season. They expressed grave concern over slow transport rates from state storage godowns.
Furthermore, officials confirmed that only around 5 LMT of grain moves out monthly despite repeated state requests. Consequently, limited space threatens to stall fresh crop arrivals across major mandis.
Storage Space Crunch Threatens Fresh Procurement Season
The slow clearance rate by central agencies creates massive logistical bottlenecks across state facilities. Currently, Punjab possesses a total covered storage capacity of 181 LMT, which includes modern steel silos. Additionally, open storage facilities account for another 68 LMT.
Punjab Foodgrain Movement (Jan–Jul)
- Total Moved Grain : 75.67 LMT transferred
- Wheat Transport : 37.13 LMT cleared
- Paddy Transport : 38.54 LMT cleared
- Required Movement : 12.00 LMT monthly target
State officials informed the ministerial panel that 75.67 LMT of foodgrain moved between January and July. This total includes 37.13 LMT of wheat and 38.54 LMT of paddy. However, overall stocks remain unusually high due to inadequate railway wagon allocation.
Therefore, the GoM decided to seek a personal meeting with the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Ministers plan to push for immediate wagon prioritization to clear storage yards promptly.
State Fixes Procurement Target of 180 LMT Paddy for Central Pool
Despite storage hurdles, the state government prepares extensively to support local farming communities. Specifically, Punjab requested a target of procuring 180 LMT of paddy for the central pool this kharif season.
Upcoming Procurement Parameters
├──► Paddy Minimum Support Price : ₹2,462 per quintal
├──► Central Paddy Target : 180 Lakh Metric Tonnes
├──► Next Wheat Target (Rabi) : 132 Lakh Metric Tonnes (projected)
└──► Policy Status : Draft Custom Milling Policy sent for approval
Government agencies will purchase paddy at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹2,462 per quintal. Meanwhile, the department sent the draft Custom Milling Policy to the Finance Department for final formal approval.
Looking further ahead, the central government will likely set a wheat procurement target of 132 LMT for the upcoming Rabi marketing season. Consequently, managing the Punjab grain lifting demand remains essential for national food security.
High-Level Inter-Department Coordination Ensures Mandi Readiness
Food Civil Supplies Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, Markfed Managing Director Vishesh Sarangal, and Food Corporation of India (FCI) General Manager Nikita Pawar attended the strategy meeting. Officials mapped out transportation, labor, and gunny bag availability across all district purchasing centers.
Procurement Readiness Action Plan
- Direct Benefit Transfer : Fast electronic payment directly to farmers
- Mandi Infrastructure : Adequate tarpaulins, moisture meters, & pumps
- Milling Agreements : Early allotment of rice mills to avoid delays
- Inter-State Checks : Border checkpoints to stop illegal grain entry
Furthermore, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann continues to monitor grain logistics directly. State authorities want to ensure that farmers face no delay in crop unloading or payment transfers.
Additionally, strict border surveillance will prevent cheap grain smuggling from neighboring regions during peak harvest weeks. Consequently, genuine local farmers will receive full MSP benefits without disruption.
Urgent Inter-Governmental Action Needed for Smooth Harvest
Agricultural experts warn that holding excess grain in open CAP storage risks weather-related damage during monsoon spells. Therefore, accelerating railway rake movement out of Punjab remains the only viable long-term solution.
Key Logistical Priorities
├──► Railway Rake Allocation : Rapid supply of special goods trains
├──► Multi-State Transit : Quick transfer to consuming states
└──► Buffer Stock Relief : Preventing open-yard crop degradation
Moreover, state ministers stressed that Punjab’s agricultural contribution feeds millions across India. Thus, solving the Punjab grain lifting demand requires full, urgent cooperation from central transit authorities.
In conclusion, Punjab stands fully prepared for the upcoming harvest operations. Prompt action from central agencies will protect state infrastructure, ensure smooth mandi operations, and safeguard farmer livelihoods.