Punjab CM vows smooth paddy procurement

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday assured farmers that the state government will ensure smooth procurement of paddy and timely disbursal of payments, similar to the arrangements made in previous years.

Reviewing the ongoing paddy procurement process at a meeting held in Chandigarh, the chief minister said farmers in the state have not faced any problem in selling their crops during the past three years, and this year would be no different.

Mann said the government has made comprehensive arrangements to facilitate hassle-free procurement and quick payments. “Farmers should not face any inconvenience while selling their produce in mandis,” he added.

The procurement season, which began on September 15, aims to cover an estimated 175 lakh metric tonnes of paddy. To manage the procurement drive, the state has set up 1,822 regular purchase centres across Punjab.

The chief minister reiterated that “every grain produced with the sweat and toil of the Punjabi farmer shall be purchased” and warned officials of strict action in case any farmer faces inconvenience. He further added that he will be personally monitoring the entire procurement process to ensure efficiency and transparency.

The state’s annual paddy procurement exercise plays a crucial role in supporting Punjab’s agrarian economy, with government agencies and procurement centres working to secure farmers’ produce and ensure timely payments.