Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Monday announced that a new grain market will be established at Khandebad village, adjoining Lehragaga, on 217 kanal and 14 marla of government land, covering more than 27 acres.
The proposal was approved by the Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, during its meeting held on October 31.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Goyal said the existing grain market in Lehragaga had become inadequate to handle the increasing arrival of agricultural produce, particularly paddy and wheat, due to a significant rise in crop production over the years.
He said the existing grain market was established around 45 years ago on approximately 12 acres of land, with a cotton yard subsequently developed within the same premises. However, the growing volume of agricultural produce has made the available space insufficient for procurement and trading activities.
The minister pointed out that the existing grain market is located in the heart of Lehragaga city, leading to persistent traffic congestion during the procurement season. Farmers, traders and commission agents (arhtiyas) had been demanding a new grain market to overcome these problems and ensure better facilities.
Responding to the long-pending demand, the Punjab Government has approved the development of the new market on government land at Khandebad village. Goyal added that access to the proposed grain market would be provided through land at Lehal Khurd village.
He said the new facility would provide much-needed relief to farmers, traders and arhtiyas while also helping ease traffic congestion in Lehragaga. It would cater to the growing agricultural marketing requirements of the region.
Goyal thanked Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the entire Cabinet for approving the proposal, stating that the decision would fulfil a long-standing demand of the local people and facilitate smoother agricultural marketing operations.
