Preparations for Kharif Procurement Season
Chandigarh — With the Kharif Marketing Season 2025–26 approaching, Punjab is gearing up for one of its largest paddy procurement drives. Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak emphasized the need for robust arrangements, particularly in flood-affected mandis, where farmers will bring their produce in the coming weeks.
During a review meeting at Anaj Bhawan, which was attended by senior department officials and district food supply controllers (DFSCs) via video conferencing, the minister highlighted that special attention must be given to medical facilities and hygienic conditions in procurement centers situated in flood-ravaged regions.
Target Exceeds Central Allocation
Punjab has set an ambitious target of procuring 190 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy this season. This is higher than the 173.13 LMT fixed by the Union Government’s Department of Food Production and Distribution.
The state’s procurement system will rely on its 5,049 registered rice mills. The minimum support price (MSP) for paddy has been set at ₹2,389 per quintal, offering crucial support to farmers who faced crop damage due to floods in several districts.
The Punjab Mandi Board has notified 1,823 regular purchase centers across the state to ensure smooth procurement. Officials added that linking rice mills with mandis under the Custom Milling Policy 2025–26, notified on September 8, is already underway.
Storage and Cash Flow Concerns
Storage space remains a key challenge. To address this, the state government has been pressing the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the Union Government to ensure the movement of at least 10 LMT of wheat per month over the next three months. This step is expected to free up space for storing freshly procured rice.
Finances for procurement are also being closely monitored. A Cash Credit Limit (CCL) requirement of ₹49,987 crore has been projected for the season. Of this, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has authorized ₹15,018 crore for September. The balance is expected to be released by the end of the month.
Supplies and Logistics in Place
To support smooth procurement operations, essential procurement materials are being arranged in advance. Punjab has already received 4.21 lakh gunny bales, with another 39,000 in transit from Kolkata. In addition, 60,000 gunny bales from previous seasons are available. The state is also expecting the delivery of 47,500 tarpaulins to provide cover in mandis.
The government has completed the e-KYC process for 1.30 crore beneficiaries under the free ration scheme, ensuring transparency in food grain distribution.
Focus on Farmers’ Welfare
Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak underlined the government’s responsibility to farmers who have been severely impacted by the recent floods. He stressed that apart from timely procurement, officials must provide safe conditions in mandis, including access to medical support and clean surroundings.
“Farmers have endured significant challenges this year due to floods,” the minister said. “It is our duty to ensure that their experience at procurement centers is smooth, fair, and safe.”
Senior officers including Director Barinder Kumar Sharma, Additional Secretary PUNGRAIN Kamal Kumar Garg, Additional Director Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar, Ajayveer Singh Sarao, and GM (Finance) Sarvesh Sharma attended the meeting.