Amritsar, April 23: Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak visited the Bhagtanwala Grain Market in Amritsar to review the ongoing wheat procurement process. Accompanied by local legislators and administrative officials, the Minister engaged with farmers, commission agents, and laborers to ensure that arrangements at the ground level are functioning smoothly.
Minister Kataruchak affirmed that the Punjab Government remains committed to purchasing every grain of wheat at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). He declared that the administration is working to ensure no farmer faces inconvenience during their time at the mandis. Despite recent challenges posed by unpredictable weather, he asserted that the state is on track to contribute 122 lakh metric tonnes to the central food pool this season.
Providing an update on the current progress, the Minister stated that 61 lakh metric tonnes of wheat had arrived in mandis across the state by yesterday evening, with approximately 56 lakh metric tonnes already procured. He affirmed that payments are being processed within 24 hours of purchase, with over ₹7,109 crore already credited to the accounts of farmers. He maintained that instructions have been issued to all procurement agencies to prioritize the timely lifting of wheat from the markets.
The Minister also addressed the need for protective measures against the elements, declaring that agencies and commission agents have been directed to maintain adequate stocks of tarpaulins and crates. He maintained that a zero-tolerance policy for laxity is in place and that officials must ensure a seamless experience for all stakeholders involved in the procurement cycle. In Amritsar district specifically, local officials affirmed that over 2.41 lakh metric tonnes have already been successfully procured out of the total arrivals.
