As part of the revenue generation efforts, Punjab Mandi Board would install 29 more ATMs across 14 districts, bringing banking facilities right to the doorstep of farmers within mandis. Notably, four ATMs have already been functioning in grain markets of Patiala and Jalandhar districts.
Chairing the Board of Directors (BoD) meeting at the head office in Mohali, Chairman S. Harchand Singh Barsat said these ATMs are proving highly beneficial for farmers and the general public by ensuring easy access to banking services, saving time and effort while also augmenting the revenue of the Punjab Mandi Board.
The Chairman informed that during the meeting, detailed deliberations were held on various key agendas concerning the Board and several important decisions were approved with a resolve to implement them at the earliest. He added that special focus was laid on ongoing measures aimed at increasing the revenue of the Board, which include installation of unipoles, e-auction of vacant plots and developmental works across mandis to facilitate farmers, commission agents, labourers and the public at large.
Reiterating the State government’s commitment, S. Barsat said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is determined to purchase every single grain of farmers’ produce. He mentioned that for the ongoing Kharif procurement season 2025-26, the State has set up 1822 procurement centres with comprehensive arrangements including cleanliness, electricity, drinking water, washrooms, sheds and seating to ensure smooth operations for farmers, commission agents and labourers.
The meeting also reviewed the progress made on decisions taken during the previous Board of Directors meeting. Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Mr. Ramvir and officials of the Punjab Mandi Board and members of the Board of Directors.