Chandigarh, December 19
Punjab’s paddy and wheat procurement operations for 2025–26 have recorded remarkable success, with the state government crediting the achievement to its “Bring Dry Paddy in Mandis” awareness campaign and a series of pro-farmer measures.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and guidance of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, both procurement seasons were marked by efficient arrangements in the mandis, including improved sanitation, water facilities, and availability of bardana. These steps, officials said, ensured a smooth, transparent, and farmer-friendly procurement process that benefited farmers, arhtiyas, and labourers alike.
The wheat procurement season held between April and May saw the government purchase over 130 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of produce, with payments exceeding ₹27,000 crore transferred directly into farmers’ accounts within 72 hours.
Despite floods disrupting agricultural operations in many parts of Punjab, the paddy procurement season in October–November also turned out to be a success. The department procured more than 156 LMT of paddy and deposited ₹37,000 crore into farmers’ accounts. Officials described the response to the “dry paddy” campaign as extraordinary, noting that farmers brought better-quality, moisture-controlled paddy to mandis, helping ensure seamless procurement and fair pricing.
“The success of this campaign highlights the diligence of our farmers and the efficiency of field-level coordination,” Kataruchak said, adding that this model reflected the Mann government’s focus on transparency and timely payments.
The department also undertook technology-driven initiatives to enhance public distribution efficiency under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Each Fair Price Shop has been equipped with Electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices and Electronic Weighing Scales (EWS), integrated to streamline the distribution of foodgrains. As of now, 1.31 crore beneficiaries, representing 86.46 percent of the total, have completed e-KYC verification.
Meanwhile, the Legal Metrology Wing, responsible for ensuring consumer protection in weights and measurements, generated ₹16.41 crore in revenue up to October 31, 2025. Officials said the wing continues to enforce compliance under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, taking action against violations to safeguard consumer rights.
The Food and Civil Supplies Department’s performance this year, despite challenges posed by floods, has drawn commendation from across the agriculture sector, reinforcing Punjab’s position as one of India’s most efficient grain procurement states.
2025 © Dbetternews.com – All Rights Reserved