Punjab's Wheat Production Set to Reach 132 Lakh Metric Tonnes
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Chandigarh, Feb 25 (NationPress) The state of Punjab is projected to generate a remarkable 132 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat, with the procurement process set to initiate on April 1. This announcement was made during a meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM), which includes key officials such as Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, and Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar.
The GoM was formed to manage the preparations for the procurement and conducted a thorough review of the wheat procurement plans for the 2026-27 season.
During the meeting, officials discussed the arrangements for wheat procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 2,585 per quintal.
Additionally, it was noted that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has been actively relocating five LMT of wheat and five LMT of rice each month since August 2025 to maintain sufficient storage for the wheat supply.
A government statement highlighted the necessity of at least 15 LMT of wheat movement every month.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been consistently addressing the transportation needs for foodgrains with the Union government.
To facilitate proper storage for the upcoming season, the department is considering the construction of plinths and utilizing available spaces within rice mills.
Furthermore, there is a continuous assessment of procurement logistics in collaboration with district administrations.
Regarding essential items for the procurement process, orders have been placed for 391,320 plastic crates, out of which 231,055 have already been delivered, with the remainder expected by next month.
Additionally, 675,000 wooden crates have been ordered, and necessary LPED covers for safe wheat storage are also on hand.
The GoM was also informed about the request from commission agents to increase their commission rates from Rs 45 per quintal to Rs 64 per quintal. This matter has been escalated to the Union government by the state.