Amritsar, April 22 (K.L. Jit Walia, Fuljeet Varpal) – Punjab’s Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak visited the Bhagtanwala Grain Market to review the ongoing wheat procurement process.
During his visit, the minister interacted with farmers, commission agents, and laborers to assess the arrangements and functioning of procurement operations in the mandi.
On this occasion, MLA Amritsar South Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar, MLA Amritsar Central Dr. Ajay Gupta, PUNSUP Chairman S. Prabhbir Singh Brar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Rohit Gupta, SDM-1 Alka Kalia, DFSC Harveen Kaur, and officials from procurement agencies were also present.
Addressing the media at the Market Committee office after the visit, Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab government is committed to procuring every grain of farmers’ produce at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), ensuring that farmers face no inconvenience in mandis.
He informed that Punjab has been assigned a target of 12.2 million metric tonnes (122 lakh MT) for the central pool this season, and despite unfavorable weather conditions, the state is determined to achieve this target. He added that proper arrangements have been made across all mandis, and he is personally reviewing the system through regular visits.
The minister further stated that by yesterday evening, 6.1 million metric tonnes (61 lakh MT) of wheat had arrived in mandis across the state, out of which approximately 5.7 million metric tonnes (57 lakh MT) had already been procured. Payments are being credited to farmers’ accounts within 24 hours, and so far, ₹7,109 crore has been disbursed.
He also directed procurement agencies to ensure timely lifting of the purchased wheat and instructed that adequate arrangements such as tarpaulins and crates be maintained to protect the grain from adverse weather conditions.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Rohit Gupta informed that by yesterday evening, 264,603 metric tonnes of wheat had arrived in mandis across Amritsar district, out of which 241,535 metric tonnes had been procured. He reiterated that payments are being ensured within 24 hours as per government directives.
KL JIT WALIA
