As procurement of paddy during Kharif Marketing Season commencing from October 1, Deputy Commissioner Apneet Riyait on Thursday took stock of arrangements being put in place in all 72 Mandis including 65 mandis and 7 sub-yards in district. The Deputy Commissioner also directed the officers concerned to ensure all requisite arrangements along with basic facilities for farmers’ at all purchase centres.Holding a meeting with District Food Supplies Controller and DIstrict Managers of procuring agencies, Apneet Riyait also asked them to gear up for smooth and hassle free procurement with ensuring all preparations. She said that the Pungrain, Markfed, Warehousing corporation, Punsup and FCI would procure paddy in all 65 mandis and seven sub-yards created as procurement centres. Deputy Commissioner also made an appeal to farmers to bring the crop as per stipulated specifications especially moisture. She said that orders had already been issued preventing harvesting from 7 pm to 10 am so that the paddy with requisite moisture could e brought to Mandis.
She also said combine operators would also ensure installation of super straw management system. Riyait also appealed not to burn paddy stubble in the fields in larger public interest. The orders issued in this regard will applicable till November 22, she added.The Deputy Commissioner also apprised that nearly 4.48 lakh metric tonne paddy procurement is expected this season. The tender process of transportation of paddy and labour arrangements had already been accomplished. District Food and Supplies Controller Renu Bala Verma informed that all rice shellers had already been linked with the mandis besides making all arrangements for timely procurement, lifting and payment to farmers.In view of health safety protocol amid COVID-19, the procurement will be made in staggered with providing coupons to farmers by Mandi Board through Arthiyas so that the possibility of spread of virus could keep at bay. District Mandi Officer Rajinder Kumar, DIstrict Manager of Warehouse Corporation Nirmaljit Singh, DM of Markfed Inderjit Singh, Punsup DM Gurvinder Singh, FCI DM Kulwinder Singh and other officer were also present in the meeting.