Chandigarh: The paddy procurement season officially began across Punjab today, even as the state continues to grapple with heavy crop losses caused by floods in several regions.
According to officials, more than three lakh hectares of farmland in districts such as Amritsar, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Gurdaspur suffered damage due to flooding earlier this season. Despite these setbacks, production in other parts of the state is projected to compensate, with nearly 175 lakh metric tonnes of paddy expected to reach procurement centres during the season.
To facilitate smooth purchases, the Reserve Bank of India has sanctioned a cash credit limit of ₹15,000 crore for the Punjab Government. The funds will be used to ensure timely payment to farmers bringing their produce to mandis.
Authorities have assured that arrangements have been put in place to handle arrivals efficiently, while efforts are being made to prioritize procurement from the worst-affected areas.
The paddy season is crucial for Punjab’s agrarian economy, and this year’s drive is being closely watched as the state works to balance bumper arrivals from some districts with heavy losses in others.
