Rajpura, Oct 23 (PTI) The Punjab government has procured 60.50 lakh metric tonnes of paddy since the beginning of the current kharif crop procurement on October 1 and ensured payment to farmers within 24 hours, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on Friday.
As on Thursday, 62.07 lakh metric tonnes of paddy arrived in mandis across the state, out of which 60.50 LMT has been purchased, with payment of Rs 12,969.01 crore being made to farmers, Mann said as he took stock of the procurement process at Rajpura mandi and interacted with farmers, ‘arhtiyas’ (commission agents) and other stakeholders.
He further said that special trains are facilitating grain movement and the government is working to ensure adequate storage space at mandis.
“Wherever paddy
has arrived, it has been procured without any delay,” he said, adding that the entire process is progressing smoothly.
Basmati production has been remarkable in areas such as Faridkot, Sangrur and Gurdaspur. Basmati farmers are getting good prices and are extremely happy with the high yields, he said.
Highlighting the role of canal irrigation, he said it brings essential nutrients and silt that enrich the soil.
Despite lower rainfall this year, less groundwater has been used because canal water has been made available in adequate quantities. It is a matter of immense pride that Punjab is conserving its precious groundwater resources, said Mann. PTI CHS HVA
