Punjab is all set to start paddy procurement from Monday which is expected to be close to 200 127 lakh metric tonne (LMT) this year.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu said procurements agencies in Punjab region have been directed to supervise the paddy procurement operations across the state beginning from October 1 so as to ensure prompt lifting of paddy as per their allotted share of procurement.
Reviewing the arrangements of the paddy procurement, Ashu said that all out efforts should be made to ensure smooth, hassle-free and quick procurement of paddy on one hand and facilitate the farmers in getting timely payment of their produce on the other.
He said that farmers of the state should not be put to any inconvenience for the sale of their produce in the mandis.
The minister directed that good quality sturdy gunny bales to be ensured while packing the produce and also that should be no shortage of bales for storage of grains.
He asked the officers concerned to personally visit the mandis during the procurement and ensure smooth lifting. He said the field staff should work round the clock to procure the stocks even on Saturdays, Sundays and also on government holidays.
The minister asked the Punjab Mandi Board officials to make sure of proper arrangements in mandis to save produce and to have proper sanitation facilities.
The Union government has fixed minimum support price for paddy Rs 1770 per quintal for Grade A and Rs 1750 per quintal for common variety of paddy.
Ashu appealed to all the farmers to bring dry, clean and fully matured paddy to the mandis.