Punjab is taking extensive steps to ensure a smooth paddy procurement season this Kharif, with Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian leading preparations alongside senior officials from the Agriculture, Food and Civil Supplies Department and the Punjab Mandi Board.
During a meeting at Kisan Bhawan, Minister Khudian highlighted the state government’s goal of purchasing every grain of paddy brought to the markets. Plans are underway to introduce Punjab Agricultural University-calibrated moisture meters in all mandis to maintain uniformity in moisture testing. Additional improvements will focus on cleanliness, access to potable water, proper sheds, and uninterrupted electricity at procurement centers to make operations efficient.
Special attention is being given to flood-affected areas. Minister Khudian held a video conference with Chief Agriculture Officers, urging them to take proactive measures to assist farmers and advising farmers to bring dry crops to the mandis to prevent delays or difficulties in selling their produce.
The Punjab Mandi Board has confirmed that field staff have been deployed to monitor and ensure that essential facilities such as electricity, clean drinking water, toilets, and adequate sheds are available at all grain markets.
On the supply side, Director of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Varinder Kumar Sharma, reported that out of the required 5.40 lakh bales of bardana, approximately 3.50 lakh have already been delivered, with the remaining expected to arrive by mid-September.
These initiatives reflect the state government’s commitment to supporting farmers and ensuring that the Kharif procurement season proceeds without any disruptions.
