JALANDHAR
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal today said that the Punjab Government has made payments totaling Rs.269 crore to farmers in the district. He highlighted that the payment was being made within 48 hours of the purchase of their paddy crop at local grain markets. Chairing a review meeting on paddy procurement, Dr. Aggarwal instructed officials to ensure the smooth and efficient lifting of paddy across all grain markets.
The Deputy Commissioner reported that procurement operations are underway in all 78 mandis in the district, with over 13,400 MT of paddy already lifted by procurement agencies. He emphasized that the pace of lifting has increased, ensuring that farmers face no difficulties during the process. Elaborate arrangements, including sufficient bardanna (gunny bags) and other essential facilities, have been made to assist farmers throughout the procurement season.
Dr. Aggarwal highlighted the close monitoring of the procurement process by Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) in their respective areas to prevent any delays. He reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment to purchasing every grain brought by farmers, underscoring that no effort will be spared in fulfilling this responsibility.
He urged farmers to refrain from burning stubble after harvesting their paddy crops, emphasizing the importance of preserving the environment and preventing air pollution caused by stubble burning. He also appealed to them to only bring dry crops at Mandis while refraining from harvesting at night.