Chandigarh, Punjab: The Group of Ministers (GoM), comprising Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, and Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, convened today to review preparations for the Punjab Wheat Procurement Season 2026–27.
The GoM was briefed that the procurement season is expected to commence from April 1, 2026, with the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department planning to procure approximately 132 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of wheat. The Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been set at Rs. 2,585 per quintal, ensuring fair returns to farmers.
Ensuring Adequate Storage and Logistics
The GoM discussed storage challenges, noting that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) currently moves 5 LMT each of wheat and rice per month since August 2025. To accommodate the upcoming wheat season, a minimum of 15 LMT wheat movement per month is required. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has raised this issue with the Union Government multiple times to secure adequate support.
Mann Sarkar Reviews Wheat Procurement Preparedness to Protect Farmers’ Interests
🔸 Group of Ministers reviewed arrangements for the 2026-27 wheat procurement season to ensure smooth and transparent operations.
🔸 Procurement likely to begin in April, MSP fixed at ₹2,585 per… pic.twitter.com/bP9dwvi8B7
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To ensure safe storage, officials plan to construct plinths and utilize empty spaces in rice mills, while District Administrations are coordinating contingency and alternate arrangements. Additionally, procurement essentials such as plastic crates (391,320 ordered), wooden crates (675,000), and LPED covers have been arranged to maintain safety and quality.
Commission and Stakeholder Welfare
The GoM also addressed demands from arhtiyas to raise commission rates from Rs. 45 per quintal to Rs. 64 per quintal. The State Government is taking up the matter with the Union Government at every opportunity.
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Reaffirming the commitment of the State Government to farmers and procurement stakeholders, the GoM directed officials to ensure a transparent, hassle-free, and efficient procurement season.
Officials present at the meeting included Principal Secretary Rahul Tewari, Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, Additional Directors Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar and Ajayveer Singh Sarao, and GM Finance Sarvesh Kumar.