Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, October 19-
The Punjab Government led by the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has always kept the interests of all the stakeholders connected with the procurement process at its heart. This is evident from the fact that out of
18,31,588 Metric Tonnes of paddy arriving in mandis of State till yesterday evening during ongoing procurement season, 16,37,517 Metric Tonnes has been procured which is 90 percent.
As regards the payment, nearly Rs. 3000 Crore have been credited into the accounts of the farmers, said the cabinet Minister, Lal Chand Kataruchak while interacting with the mediapersons here today.
Divulging more, the Minister said that in order to ensure smooth and hassle free procurement season, the State Government has operationalized 2651 procurement centres. Besides, till date 2184 rice millers have applied for the allotment of rice mills.
Coming to the storage space issue, the Minister disclosed that as per the Food Corporation of India (FCI) 9.5 LMT of space is available at present. As milling starts in the month of December, hence by December 2024 nearly 30 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of space would be created, said the Minister adding that this year movement of 4 LMT more foodgrain has been registered as compared to the previous year.