Chandigarh, October 19: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said that state government is ready with plan with B to carry out milling of paddy across the state in larger public interest.

During a meeting with the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha delegation at Punjab Bhawan, the Chief Minister stated that farmers, Arthias, and millers form a vital chain of food production in the state that should not be disturbed.

Govt Committed to Safeguarding All Stakeholders’ Interests

Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the state government is committed to safeguarding the interests of every stakeholder. He emphasized that they will not tolerate blackmailing from any stakeholders. If necessary, the state government will import rice milling.

The Chief Minister added that a backup plan is in place to ensure rice milling protects the interests of local food growers. He assured that the state government will not hesitate to act in the best interests of farmers.

milling of paddy : some forces are trying to politicise this matter

Bhagwant Singh Mann said that some forces inimical to the state are trying to politicise this matter just for getting credit of paddy procurement unfortunately at cost of harassing farmers.

The Chief Minister stated that the state government firmly commits to ensuring smooth and hassle-free procurement of paddy and will make every effort to implement the government’s decision. Bhagwant Singh Mann personally monitors the smooth and hassle-free procurement and lifting of grains, pledging that he will leave no stone unturned in this effort. He said that state government has already made elaborate arrangements for purchasing the harvest of farmers as soon as it arrives in the Mandis.

Milling of paddy : The Mandis will not allow the distress sale of paddy.

The Chief Minister clearly stated that officials responsible for the distress sale of paddy in the Mandis will face the severest actions. Moreover, he noted that the market expects 185 lakh metric tons of paddy this year, for which the state has set up 2,651 Mandis. Furthermore, Bhagwant Singh Mann reported that the Mandis received around 18.31 lakh metric tons of paddy, and purchasers bought 16.37 lakh metric tons. As a result, this led to payments of Rs 3,000 crore to farmers.

CM flagged the issue with Union Minister

The Chief Minister explained that last year’s late paddy milling has led to a current space issue. After discussing his concerns with the Union Minister, Bhagwant Singh Mann received assurance that the state will transport 120 lakh metric tons of paddy from outside by March 2025. He emphasized the state government’s commitment to procuring all farmers’ produce, ensuring that no farmer celebrates Diwali in the mandis.

Mann noted that he had already addressed the millers’ and Aarthias’ concerns with the Government of India, which agreed to most of their demands. He also informed the Union Minister that Punjab and Haryana are in the centralized procurement zone, which they must uphold. Furthermore, he stressed the zone’s role in promoting fair procurement practices and protecting local farmers’ interests. He added that the Punjab government had flagged the issue of bales with the Union government.

The RBI has already released the CCL.

The Chief Minister said that CCL to the tune of Rs. 41,378 Crores for KMS 2024-25 has already been released by the RBI. He stated that experts from Punjab Agricultural University have repeatedly emphasized that, in comparison to the long-duration variety Pusa 44, PR 126 saves 20-25 percent of water. Similarly, Bhagwant Singh Mann added that PR 126 has a lower straw load, specifically 10%, and it provides an additional 25-40 days for residue management. Furthermore, it also results in a savings of approximately Rs. 5000 per acre in input costs, thereby immensely benefiting the farmers.

government has already enhanced the labour charges

The Chief Minister announced that the state government has already increased labor charges; moreover, he indicated that they will explore further increases if necessary. In addition, he stated that the government has decided not to award contracts for leftover material from Punjab’s mandis for the 2023-24 period. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that this decision aims to improve the living standards of impoverished communities and that officials are implementing it carefully.

The state government fully commits to safeguarding farmers

The Chief Minister stated that the state government is vigorously raising the issue of DAP fertilizer supply with the Union government. He emphasized the need to ensure a smooth wheat planting season. Bhagwant Singh Mann affirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests.

On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema and Lal Chand Kataruchak were also present.

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