Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Sarangal today inaugurated the paddy procurement process in Grain Market in Dharamkot, marking the beginning of a significant contribution to the national stock. With an expected arrival of 14.17 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, Moga district is poised to play a vital role in meeting the country's food requirements.
Accompanied by District Food and Supplies Controller Mrs. Geeta Bishambhu, the Deputy Commissioner assured that comprehensive arrangements have been made to facilitate farmers during the Kharif season 2024–25."We anticipate a total arrival of 14.17 lac metric tonnes of paddy this season," said Mr. Sarangal.
"No farmer will face any difficulty in selling their produce at any mandi. Arrangements for labor and transportation are fully in place across all centers."A total of 108 procurement centers have been established in District Moga. The government has allocated procurement targets among various agencies: PUNGRAIN will procure 34%, PUNSUP 22%, MARKFED 26%, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation 13%, and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) 5%.
"Out of 361 rice mills in the district, almost all have been allotted for processing," the Deputy Commissioner added. He also highlighted that the government has set the maximum permissible moisture content in paddy at 17%, with the Minimum Support Price (MSP) fixed at ₹2,320 per quintal.
To ensure a smooth procurement process, the Mandi Board has provided essential amenities in the mandis, including clean platforms, drinking water, electricity, shade, and moisture measuring devices. Procurement staff from all agencies have been deployed, and commission agents are tasked with verifying farmers' land details on the Punjab Mandi Board's portal and the Food Supplies Department's grain procurement portal.
"The crop quantity brought by farmers should correspond proportionally to their registered land," Mr. Sarangal emphasized. He also outlined specific procedures for the season: "Commission agents will stamp sacks with blue ink and use red thread for stitching. Paddy lifted from the mandis will be moved within 72 hours, and gate passes will be issued online through the grain procurement portal at the time of lifting."
In his concluding remarks, Deputy Commissioner Sarangal appealed to farmers to bring dry and clean crops to the mandis. "This will prevent delays due to high moisture content, ensuring that farmers do not have to wait in the mandis for moisture levels to decrease," he said.
The district administration remains committed to supporting farmers and ensuring a successful procurement season. All necessary measures have been taken to facilitate efficient and transparent transactions throughout the district.