Derabassi MLA, S. Kuljit Singh Randhawa, today kickstarted paddy procurement in Lalru Mandi, marking the formal commencement of the Kharif Marketing Season 2025 in the district. Farmers Balwinder Singh and Davinder Singh became the first to sell their crop, which was procured by Pungrain at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 2,389 per quintal.
Congratulating farmers and commission agents on the successful start of the season, MLA Randhawa said procurement has begun earlier than in previous years to give farmers more days to sell their produce. He appealed to farmers to harvest only when the crop is fully matured to avoid excessive moisture content beyond the prescribed 17 percent limit. He also urged them to bring only dry paddy to mandis and to manage crop residue responsibly without resorting to stubble burning.
Assuring farmers of full support, he said that both district and local administrations are committed to ensuring a smooth procurement season as per the directions of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. On the occasion, SDM Derabassi Amit Gupta, commission agents, Market Committee staff, procurement agency representatives, and farmers were also present.