Punjab Anticipates Record Wheat Harvest of 124 Lakh Metric Tons, Minister Reveals
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Synopsis
Punjab is set for a remarkable wheat harvest with a target of 124 lakh metric tons, as stated by Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak. The government has prepared to support over 800,000 farmers, ensuring timely payments and adequate procurement facilities.
Key Takeaways
- Record wheat harvest expected in Punjab.
- Preparations for over 800,000 farmers.
- Secured cash credit limit of Rs 28,894 crore.
- Payments to farmers within 24 hours of procurement.
- Establishment of 1,864 purchase centres statewide.
Chandigarh, April 4 (NationPress) Punjab is poised for a record wheat harvest, according to state Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, who emphasized that the government has made extensive preparations to assist over 800,000 farmers during this wheat procurement season.
Following a review meeting with officials from four districts - Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Kataruchak informed the media that Punjab is on track to achieve a target procurement of 124 lakh metric tons of wheat this year.
The minister noted that a cash credit limit of Rs 28,894 crore for wheat procurement has already been secured, and 99 percent of the necessary ‘bardana’ (sacks) is ready, along with adequate storage facilities and crates for effective management.
To accommodate the influx of crops, the government has set up 1,864 purchase centres (mandis) statewide, enabling farmers to sell their wheat easily. In anticipation of the bumper crop, approximately 600 temporary purchase centres have also been established.
Kataruchak assured farmers that payments would be processed within 24 hours of procurement, with a minimum support price (MSP) set at Rs 2,425 per quintal.
He shared district-specific procurement targets, indicating that Hoshiarpur is expected to yield over 3.14 lakh metric tons of wheat, while Jalandhar, Kapurthala, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar will contribute 5.25 lakh metric tons, 3.61 lakh metric tons, and 2.64 lakh metric tons, respectively.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to purchasing every grain brought in by farmers, asserting that no negligence would be tolerated in the procurement process.
He also underlined the government's initiatives over the past three years to enhance wheat and paddy procurement operations. During the review meeting, Kataruchak assessed facilities for farmers, including cleanliness, drinking water availability, lighting, and shelters at the marketing yards. He instructed officials to be present at their respective 'mandis' throughout the season to ensure farmers do not encounter any difficulties during this period.
