S.A.S. Nagar- During the ongoing Rabi season 2024-25, wheat procurement in Punjab mandis has reached nearly 100 percent, with further procurement of wheat to be expedited. This was expressed by S. Harchand Singh Barsat, Chairman of Punjab Mandi Board, during a review of the ongoing procurement works in mandis. He informed that Punjab's mandis have received 123.81 lakh metric tons of wheat so far, out of which 123.26 lakh metric tons have been procured. He further disclosed that ₹25, 387.8 crore has been released to farmers out of cash credit limit of ₹30, 077 crore during the Rabi season 2024-25.
The Chairman of Punjab Mandi Board highlighted that adequate arrangements have been made by the board to conduct procurement works in mandis, prioritizing the convenience of farmers, traders, and laborers. As a result, wheat procurement works in mandis are being smoothly carried out without any inconvenience to farmers. He mentioned that teams of officials have been formed by the Punjab Mandi Board to conduct regular inspections in mandis. He emphasized that the Punjab government is steadfast in its support for farmers and is committed to their welfare and betterment.
He further stated that officials and employees of Punjab Mandi Board and market committees have worked tirelessly round the clock, which has enabled such a large-scale operation to be efficiently carried out in a very short span of time, ensuring convenience for farmers, laborers and traders without encountering any difficulties. He expressed gratitude to various departments of the Punjab government such as Punsup, Markfed, Pungrain and Warehouses, whose cooperation has been instrumental in completing this task. He thanked to all, attributing the success to divine grace and the favorable weather provided by the Almighty.
Providing further information, Sh. Barsat mentioned that 123.81 lakh metric tons of wheat has been received in 1907 designated mandis and 826 temporary procurement centers of Punjab Mandi Board, out of which 123.26 lakh metric tons of wheat has been procured. Of this, 116.46 lakh metric tons of wheat has been procured by government agencies and 6.80 lakh metric tons at the private level. He informed that so far, 74.17 lakh metric tons of wheat have been lifted from mandis. Last day, 1.80 lakh metric tons of wheat have arrived in mandis, while 1.98 lakh metric tons of wheat have been procured. Sangrur district in Punjab has witnessed the highest wheat arrival and procurement so far. Here, procurement of 11, 98, 029 metric tons of wheat has been done at government and private levels, followed by 9, 25, 382 metric tons in Patiala and 8, 47, 242 metric tons in Ferozepur.