New Delhi, August 8: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that the central government has agreed to lift 1.8 million metric tons (LMT) of old grain stock from Punjab’s markets by September 20, ahead of the upcoming paddy procurement season. This move will create necessary storage space for the incoming paddy crop in the state.
During a meeting in New Delhi with Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Prahlad Joshi and Union Energy Minister Manohar Lal, Mann discussed various issues concerning Punjab.
The Chief Minister stated that the Punjab government is accelerating preparations for the paddy procurement season, ensuring that farmers face no difficulties in selling their crops. He also urged the central government to ensure timely payments to farmers for their produce.
Mann emphasized that Punjab is the country’s granary, with an estimated supply of around 17 million metric tons of high-quality rice expected this year. Adequate storage facilities and a smooth procurement process are crucial not only for Punjab’s farmers but also for the nation’s food security.
Referring to his meeting with the Union Food Minister, Mann said, “I have requested the immediate lifting of 1.8 million metric tons of rice from Punjab. This is essential for delivering the remaining rice of the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2025-26 to the central pool. Despite the Food Corporation of India (FCI) facing space constraints, state procurement agencies have already provided 8.6 million metric tons of rice to the FCI.”
He noted that the additional space created by lifting 1.8 million metric tons will allow for the prompt delivery of pending rice to the FCI, encouraging rice millers for the upcoming season. Mann highlighted Punjab’s leading role in the central government’s Improved Rice Scheme, having already supplied over 1.17 million metric tons of superior quality rice to the FCI.
The Chief Minister informed the central ministers that, thanks to the hard work of farmers, Punjab is expecting a bumper crop this year, with an estimated procurement of around 18 million metric tons of paddy.
Mann stated, “We are working towards ensuring another smooth procurement season for farmers. I have also requested the central government to expedite the transfer of 2.7 million metric tons of wheat lying in state rice mills and market yards to other consumer states under the central welfare schemes. This will provide adequate storage capacity for the upcoming paddy crop in KMS 2026-27.”
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, the Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Dr. Ravi Bhagat, and other senior officials.
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