Chandigarh: The Punjab Mandi Board has set up a special control room to ensure smooth and efficient paddy procurement across the state during the ongoing season. The move aims to provide real-time support to farmers, commission agents (arthiyas), and labourers and to swiftly resolve mandi-related issues, said Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian.
Khudian explained that the control room will operate with four officials divided into two teams working in 12-hour shifts from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. This arrangement ensures uninterrupted monitoring and quick response to any issues arising in grain markets across Punjab. The minister added that farmers and other stakeholders can reach the control room through helpline numbers 0172-5101649 and 0172-5101704 for immediate assistance.
He emphasized that this initiative will strengthen inter-agency coordination, improve efficiency, and reduce delays in procurement operations. It will also help maintain Punjab’s strong reputation for transparent and farmer-friendly agricultural marketing.
Reaffirming Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s commitment to the welfare of farmers, Khudian said, “The success of every procurement season reflects the success of Punjab. Our government is committed to making this process smooth, transparent, and farmer-centric. The control room will serve as a proactive command centre to address any concern—whether related to logistics, payments, or facilities in mandis—promptly and effectively.”
