Punjab Govt sets benchmark in wheat procurement over last four years says Lal Chand Kataruchak

Cabinet Minister reviews operations at Sirhind Grain Market; expresses satisfaction over arrangements

5 Dariya News

Sri Fatehgarh Sahib 20-Apr-2026

The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, has established an exemplary record in wheat procurement over the past four years. Comprehensive arrangements have been institutionalized across all grain markets in the state to facilitate farmers, commission agents, laborers, and transporters, ensuring a seamless experience for all stakeholders.

This was disclosed by Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister, Punjab, Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak, while reviewing the ongoing procurement operations at the Sirhind Grain Market today. He was accompanied by Fatehgarh Sahib MLA Advocate Lakhbir Singh Rai, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sona Thind, Market Committee Sirhind Chairman Gurwinder Singh Dhillon, and SC Wing Punjab State President Gurpreet Singh G.P., alongside other senior administrative and political leaders.

Speaking to the media, the Cabinet Minister informed that while the state’s procurement target is 122 lakh metric tonnes (LMT), the department has made extensive logistical arrangements to handle up to 132 LMT. He emphasized that sufficient stocks of gunny bags (bardana), tarpaulins, and crates are available across all procurement centers.

Divulging further, the Minister said that out of 39 lakh metric tonnes arriving in state mandis to date, a total of 34 lakh metric tonnes has successfully procured. The

Payments with ₹1,818 crore have been transferred directly into the bank accounts of farmers.

The Minister drew a sharp contrast with previous administrations, noting that procurement seasons were once defined by protests, chronic shortages of gunny bags, and delayed payments. He asserted that such hurdles have been eliminated under the current government’s tenure.

Reaffirming the state's commitment to the welfare of farming community, Mr. Kataruchak assured that every single grain brought to the markets would be lifted by May 15