JALANDHAR
The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister, Lal Chand Kataruchak today announced that the Punjab Government has made extensive preparations to facilitate over 8 lakh farmers during the ongoing wheat procurement season in the state.
The Minister was chairing a review meeting with senior officials from four districts, including Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.
Speaking to the media, the Minister revealed that Punjab is set to witness a bumper wheat crop this year, with a target procurement of 124 lakh metric tonnes. He stated that the State Government has already secured a cash credit limit of Rs. 28,894 crore for wheat procurement for ensuring smooth operations throughout the season. The Minister also mentioned that 99 percent of the required bardana (sacks) has been arranged, alongside sufficient space and crates for efficient storage.
To cater to the massive arrival of crops, the Punjab Government has established 1864 purchase centres (mandis) across the state, where farmers can sell their wheat. In light of the bumper crop, around 600 temporary purchase centres have also been set up. Mr. Kataruchak assured farmers that they would receive payments within 24 hours of procurement, with the Government setting the Minimum Support Price (MSP) at Rs. 2425 per quintal.
Detailing district-specific procurement targets, he stated that over 3.14 lakh MT of wheat is expected to arrive in Hoshiarpur, while Jalandhar, Kapurthala, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar will contribute 5.25 lakh MT, 3.61 lakh MT, and 2.64 lakh MT, respectively.