Over 8.24 Lakh Tons of Paddy Arrive at Punjab Grain Markets

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): As of Monday evening, Punjab’s grain markets received more than 8.24 lakh tons of paddy, of which over 7.72 lakh tons have already been procured, accounting for 93% of the total arrivals.

Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchakk stated on Tuesday that government agencies have procured 7,70,241.58 tons of paddy, with Punjab State Grains Procurement Corporation (PUNGRAIN) leading among them, having purchased 3,23,992.64 tons so far.

During the current kharif marketing season, 66,679 farmers have benefited from the Minimum Support Price (MSP), with ₹1,646.47 crore credited directly into their accounts.

Minister Kataruchakk added that despite recent floods, the Punjab government remains committed to procuring every grain cultivated by farmers. The government has secured ₹27,000 crore for October and ₹15,000 crore for September as cash credit limits. Officials have been instructed to ensure adequate arrangements for sacks, medical facilities, and sanitation at markets, so that no farmer faces difficulty in selling their produce.