Punjab may begin procurement from Apr 1, sets 132LMT target

Chandigarh: Wheat procurement in Punjab is likely to begin from April 1, with procurement target of 132 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) and minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 2,585 per quintal.This was revealed in a meeting of a Punjab group of ministers (GoM) set up to oversee procurement-related preparations. It includes agriculture minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, civil supplies minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, water resources minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, and transport minister Laljit Singh Bhullar.Concerns over a shortage of storage for grains was also discussed, and the ministers were informed that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) moved out 5 LMT of wheat and 5 LMT of rice every month since Aug 2025, but there is a need to transport at least 15 LMT of wheat each month to create space for the upcoming crop. The ministers said chief minister Bhagwant Mann was raising the issue with the Centre.To ensure safe storage of wheat, the food and civil supplies department is considering constructing plinths and using empty spaces in rice mills. Besides, regular review of procurement arrangements is being undertaken with the district administrations. The authorities are coordinating with the district managers of FCI to prepare contingency plans and alternate arrangements.Instructions were issued for 3,91,320 plastic crates, of which 2,31,055 were received, while the rest would be received by March. Also, orders were placed for 6,75,000 wooden crates, and the requisite LPED covers necessary for safely storing wheat are also available.It was also brought to the attention of the ministers that in view of the demand of the arhtiyas to raise their rates of commission from Rs 45 per quintal to Rs 64 per quintal, the matter was being taken up by the state with the Centre.MSID:: 128779869 413 |