Punjab Government Tightens Paddy Procurement Framework for Kharif 2025
27 June 2025, Chandigarh: Ahead of the paddy harvesting season, preparations are already underway in Punjab to streamline operations in the agricultural markets (mandis). The state government has launched early preparations for the Kharif 2025 season and constituted a special group of ministers to oversee the procurement of paddy and wheat. The group held its first meeting today at Punjab Bhawan in Chandigarh.
The ministerial panel is chaired by Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian and includes Lal Chand Kataruchak (Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs), Laljit Singh Bhullar (Transport Minister), and Barinder Kumar Goyal (Water Resources Minister) as members.
During the meeting, the state reviewed the procurement plans for the upcoming season. Rahul Tiwari, Principal Secretary, Department of Food and Civil Supplies, shared that all preparations are being finalized for the paddy procurement period from October 1 to mid-November.
Focus on Storage Infrastructure
Considering the storage shortfall, the state has set a target to create an additional 4 million metric tonnes (MMT) of storage capacity by December 2025. By June 2026, the total capacity is expected to rise to around 8.2–8.3 MMT.
Minister Khudian assured that the concerns of farmers, commission agents (arhtiyas), and millers will be addressed, and issues requiring central government intervention will also be raised accordingly.
Paddy Arrival Estimates and Mandi Management
Food Minister Kataruchak stated that around 17.5 to 18 MMT of paddy is expected to arrive in mandis this Kharif season. The government is preparing all necessary arrangements in this regard. Proposals for creating 4.6 MMT of storage capacity have already been submitted to the central government.
Warning Against Spurious Seeds
Kataruchak advised farmers to use only expert-recommended seed varieties and remain vigilant against counterfeit seeds. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to procure every grain of paddy at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Moisture Content and Transportation Issues
To address the issue of high moisture in paddy, farmers have been requested to use combine harvesters only between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Transport Minister Bhullar urged the central government to expedite the movement of 1.2 MMT of old grain stock from the state to make room for the new harvest.
Water Resources Minister Goyal emphasized that the ministerial group was formed to enhance farmer welfare and improve agricultural systems. He reiterated the government’s resolve to procure crops at MSP.
Finalization of Procurement Policies
The state government has finalized policies related to labor, cartage, and transportation, and the approval process is expected to be completed soon.
The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Rahul Tiwari (Principal Secretary, Food & Civil Supplies), Ramvir (Secretary, Punjab Mandi Board), Sonali Giri (Managing Director, Pungrain), and others.
Also Read: Five Indians Recognized in 2025 Top Agri-Food Pioneers List by World Food Prize Foundation
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