Bharat Bhushan Ashu has directed all the heads of the State Procurements Agencies as well as the General Manager FCI Punjab region..

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Bharat Bhushan Ashu has directed all the heads of the State Procurements Agencies as well as the General Manager FCI Punjab region to personally 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.

Punjab is expecting paddy procurement to the tune of 200 LMT this year. Of the total paddy PUNGRAIN would procure 30%, PUNSUP 22% Markfed 23%, Punjab Agro 10%, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation 10%  and FCI 5% in all the 1834 purchase centres set up across the State.

Reviewing the arrangements of the Paddy procurement for the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS)2018-19 in the State,  Mr. 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 categorically said that farmers of the state should not be put to any inconvenience for the sale of their produce in the mandis.

He 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 Government of India has fixed MSP for paddy Rs. 1770 per quintal for Grade A and Rs. 1750 per quintal for common variety of Paddy. Proposal regarding Cash Credit Limit has been sent by Finance Department to RBI for availing CCL limit of Rs. 40,300 crore for the purchase of Paddy by the State Agencies. FCI will make its own arrangements for the funds required for purchase of paddy. Mr. Ashu made a fervent appeal to all the farmers to bring dry, clean and fully matured paddy to the mandis. He also asked all the stakeholders to refrain from malpractice whether arhtias, transporters or shellers.