Punjab Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today said that as many as 2,50,571 metric ton paddy has arrived in the grain markets so far of which 1,98,140 MT crop has been purchased by the procurement agencies in the state where as a total of 32,230 MT paddy has already been lifted from the Mandi.
The minister was taking stock of procurement operations as Asia's largest Mandi at Khanna wherein he stated that payment worth Rs. 24 crore has already been made to farmers concerned. Accompanied by MLA Khanna Tarunpreet Singh Sond, the Minister expressed satisfaction over procurement operations and reiterated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led state government was committed to ensuring a smooth and hassle-free procurement season in the state.
He added that on the directives of CM, he was visiting grain markets of the state to check the entire exercise. The minister further stated that the government was ensuring payment to farmers against their crops within 24 hours so that they do not face any problem during the season. He also urged farmers only to bring dry crop in the Mandis for prompt purchase. He directed the officials to ensure proper arrangements for transportation, bardana, payment, lifting so that our farmers can experience smooth procurement season.
He lashed out at previous governments for spoiling festival seasons of farmers by making them sit near their crops in Mandis. However, it was matter a of past as the present government has changed the entire scenario by taking farmers' friendly decisions in the state, he added.
He also called upon farmers not to set their crop residue on fire as it leads to deterioration of natural resources including water, air and soil. Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included DMO Birinder Singh, DFSC Shaifali Chopra, President Aarti Association Khanna Harbans Singh Rosha, President Rice Sheller Association Khanna Gurdial Singh, AAP leaders Mahesh Kumar, Laxman Singh Grewal, Jagtar Singh Rattanhedi,and Surinder Singh.