CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, April 22, 2026: Punjab’s wheat procurement season is progressing at a rapid pace, with the state government putting in place extensive arrangements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for farmers. Punjab Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Tuesday visited Bhagtanwala Grain Market in Amritsar to review ongoing procurement operations and assess ground-level preparedness.
During the visit, the Minister interacted with farmers, commission agents, and labourers to gather firsthand feedback on procurement arrangements. Senior political representatives and administrative officials were also present, providing updates on procurement progress and logistical support being extended across mandis.
Government Committed to MSP Procurement and Farmer Welfare
Addressing the media after reviewing operations, the Minister reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is fully committed to procuring every single grain of wheat at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
He emphasised that the state government has taken comprehensive steps to ensure that farmers do not face any inconvenience while selling their produce in mandis. From infrastructure arrangements to administrative coordination, all efforts are being made to streamline the procurement process.
Highlighting the scale of operations, the Minister said that Punjab has been assigned a target of 122 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat procurement for the central pool this season. Despite challenges posed by adverse weather conditions, he expressed confidence that the state will successfully achieve this target.
He further stated that he is personally visiting procurement centres across the state to monitor arrangements and ensure that all agencies are functioning efficiently.
56 LMT Procured, ₹7,109 Crore Transferred Directly to Farmers
Providing detailed figures, Lal Chand Kataruchak informed that as of Tuesday evening, approximately 61 lakh metric tonnes of wheat had arrived in mandis across Punjab. Out of this, around 56 lakh metric tonnes had already been procured by government agencies.
He highlighted that the Punjab Government is ensuring timely payments to farmers, with funds being credited directly to their bank accounts within 24 hours of procurement. So far, an amount of ₹7,109 crore has already been transferred to farmers, reflecting the efficiency and transparency of the procurement system.
The Minister also directed procurement agencies to ensure the timely lifting of purchased wheat from mandis to prevent congestion and maintain smooth operations.
Robust Arrangements in Mandis, Strict Directions to Officials
The Minister stressed that foolproof arrangements have been made across all mandis in the state to tackle challenges such as unpredictable weather. He instructed commission agents and procurement agencies to ensure adequate availability of tarpaulins and crates to protect harvested crops from rain or other adverse conditions.
Issuing strict directions, Lal Chand Kataruchak said that any laxity in procurement operations will not be tolerated. Officials have been directed to remain vigilant and ensure that neither farmers nor commission agents face any difficulty during the procurement process.
He underlined that maintaining efficiency, transparency, and farmer satisfaction remains the top priority of the state government.
Amritsar District Records Strong Procurement Performance
On the occasion, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Rohit Gupta shared district-level data, stating that wheat arrivals in mandis across Amritsar had reached 2,64,603 metric tonnes by Tuesday evening. Out of this, 2,41,535 metric tonnes had already been procured.
He reaffirmed that, in line with Punjab Government directives, payments are being made to farmers within 24 hours, ensuring financial stability and confidence among the farming community.
Continuous Monitoring to Safeguard Farmers’ Interests
The Minister reiterated that the state government is closely monitoring procurement operations at every level. Regular inspections, field visits, and coordination among agencies are being carried out to address any emerging issues promptly.
He said that Punjab’s procurement model is designed to be farmer-centric, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and quick service delivery. By combining administrative vigilance with on-ground engagement, the government aims to make the procurement season smooth and beneficial for all stakeholders.
