States » NorthPosted at: Jun 25 2025 1:37AM


Punjab govt sets stage for smooth paddy procurement, GoM formed to oversee operations

Chandigarh, June 24 (UNI) Proactively gearing up four months in advance of the 2025 Paddy Procurement Season, the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has launched a landmark initiative by constituting a Group of Ministers (GoM) to oversee food grain procurement and ensure the smooth execution of both wheat and paddy procurement in upcoming seasons.
The GoM held its first meeting today at Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh.
The GoM comprises Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian as Chairman, with Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, and Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal as members.
During the meeting, Principal Secretary, Food and Civil Supplies, Rahul Tewari gave a detailed presentation on the planning underway to ensure a seamless and hassle-free paddy procurement season, scheduled to begin on October 1, 2025, and continue until mid-November.
On the critical issue of storage space, the Group of Ministers was informed that robust efforts are being made. Approximately 40 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of additional storage space will be created by December this year, with a projected 82–83 LMT of space ready by the end of June next year.
Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian assured that all legitimate concerns of millers, arhtiyas, and farmers would be addressed. Issues requiring intervention from the Union Government or the Food Corporation of India (FCI) will be escalated at the highest levels. He emphasised that the state government is making every effort to ensure adequate storage availability.
Highlighting a key achievement, Khuddian shared that over 100 LMT of rice has already been delivered, with a target of reaching 117 LMT by July 31.
On the occasion, Lal Chand Kataruchak stated that approximately 175–180 LMT of paddy is expected to arrive in the mandis during the upcoming Kharif Marketing Season. The State Government is making comprehensive arrangements for its efficient handling.
Regarding the storage issue, he informed that proposals for the construction of 46 LMT capacity godowns have been submitted by the High-Level Committee to the Union Government. He also noted that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is personally pursuing the matter with the Centre.
Encouraging farmers to use only certified and expert-recommended seed varieties, Kataruchak urged them to refrain from using spurious seeds. He reiterated the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to procuring every single grain at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
To minimize moisture content in the harvested crop, he advised farmers to operate combine harvesters only between 10 am and 6 pm.
Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar urged the Union Government to ensure the regular movement of grains from Punjab's godowns, stating that at least 12 LMT of grains need to be transported monthly to make room for the upcoming paddy crop. He expressed confidence that the Centre would respond positively to Punjab’s demands.
Reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to ensuring MSP-based procurement, Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said the formation of the GoM reflects the government’s resolve to safeguard farmers’ interests and support their agricultural endeavors.
It was also noted that the labour and cartage policy, along with the transportation policy, have been finalised and submitted to the State Government for approval.
Among those present on the occasion were Principal Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Rahul Tewari; Secretary, Punjab Mandi Board, Ramvir; MD, PUNSUP, Sonali Giri; Additional Director, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar; and GM (Finance), Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Sarvesh Kumar.
UNI XC RN
Tags: #Punjab govt sets stage for smooth paddy procurement# GoM formed to oversee operations
More News

23 yr old girl raped in Haryana under false promise of marriage

27 Jun 2025 | 1:51 AM

Kaithal (Haryana), June 26 (UNI) A 23-year-old girl, a resident of a colony here in Haryana, has been allegedly raped by a man under the false promise of marriage, police said today.

see more..

Cabinet passed resolution to safeguard democracy: Kiren Rijiju

27 Jun 2025 | 1:34 AM

Shimla, June 26 (UNI) Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, addressing a press conference in Shimla, stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a significant resolution was passed in the recent Cabinet meeting declaring that “the Emergency was a dark period when democracy was murdered".

see more..

MP CM honours democracy fighters Karnataka Governor Gehlot, ex-Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki

27 Jun 2025 | 1:29 AM

Bhopal, June 26 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav announced today that all democracy fighters above 70 years of age will be provided free treatment through the Ayushman Card and, if required, the PM Air Ambulance service as well.

see more..

Emergency was an attack on democracy: Union MoS Harsh Malhotra

27 Jun 2025 | 12:48 AM

Dharamshala, June 26 (UNI) On the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport & Highways, Harsh Malhotra, launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of destroying democracy by imposing the Emergency on June 25, 1975.

see more..

J&K Police files charge sheet against ‘Bhaderwah confession’ page admin

27 Jun 2025 | 12:38 AM

Jammu, Jun, 26 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Police has filled charge sheet against the administrators of the controversial Instagram account of ‘Bhaderwah Confession’ for allegedly defaming many individuals especially youth by sharing their false, fabricated and malicious content about their personal affairs in the Doda district.

see more..