Punjab’s wheat procurement season is moving ahead at a steady pace, with Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak announcing that around 24 lakh tonnes of wheat have already been procured across the state. The minister shared the update during his visit to the local grain market in Tanda, Hoshiarpur, where he reviewed procurement arrangements and spoke with officials and farmers.
The wheat procurement season is one of the most important annual operations in Punjab, as the state plays a major role in supplying food grains to the country. Every year, lakhs of farmers bring their harvested wheat crop to mandis, where government agencies purchase the grain at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This system gives farmers assured returns and helps maintain food stocks for the public distribution system.
According to the minister, more than 28 lakh tonnes of wheat have reached mandis across Punjab since the procurement season began on April 1. Out of this total arrival, over 24 lakh tonnes has already been purchased by procurement agencies. This indicates that a large portion of the crop brought by farmers has been successfully lifted and bought in time.
Kataruchak was accompanied during the visit by local MLA Jasvir Singh Raja Gill. The minister inspected arrangements at the mandi and reviewed whether farmers were receiving smooth services during the procurement process. He also spoke about the need to ensure proper coordination among agencies so that no farmer faces inconvenience while selling produce.
Punjab is one of India’s leading wheat-producing states, and the procurement season is always closely watched. Thousands of farmers depend on timely government purchases, and any delay can create problems such as storage shortages, transport issues, or delayed payments.
To avoid such problems, the minister directed officials and procurement agencies to ensure smooth and flawless operations in every mandi. He said all departments must work together so that farmers can sell their crop without unnecessary waiting.
He also highlighted the payments already made to farmers. According to the minister, more than ₹647 crore has been disbursed to farmers so far at the MSP of ₹2,585 per quintal. This payment system is crucial because farmers often use this income to clear loans, prepare for the next crop, and manage household expenses.
The Minimum Support Price guarantees that farmers receive a fixed rate for their wheat regardless of market fluctuations. For many growers, MSP procurement is the safest and most reliable way to sell their harvest.
Officials say the pace of arrivals in mandis is expected to increase further in the coming days as harvesting continues in different districts. Procurement agencies are therefore preparing for larger volumes and ensuring that labour, transport, and storage systems remain ready.
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During the visit, district officials also shared updates about arrangements made for procurement in Hoshiarpur district. Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain said that a total of 78 mandis have been set up in the district for the wheat season.
Out of these, 65 are permanent mandis, while 13 are temporary centres created to handle extra arrivals during the peak season. Temporary mandis help reduce crowding and make it easier for farmers to sell grain closer to their villages.
Setting up multiple purchase centres is important in a state like Punjab, where wheat arrivals happen on a very large scale in a short time. If there are not enough centres, farmers may have to wait for days before unloading produce.
The minister also spoke about another issue affecting farmers this season—crop damage caused by recent unseasonal rains and hailstorms. Weather disturbances during harvest time can reduce grain quality, flatten standing crop, and create financial losses for farmers.
To assess the damage, he said a special girdawari is currently underway. Girdawari is the official field survey carried out by authorities to estimate crop losses and determine compensation where applicable.
Such surveys are important because they help the government identify affected farmers and provide relief support. Unseasonal rain has become a growing concern in recent years, often striking at the time when crops are ready for harvest.
Farmers in some areas have reported concerns about moisture content and grain quality after rain. If moisture levels are too high, wheat may need drying before procurement. Officials are therefore monitoring conditions closely.
The minister assured that the government remains committed to protecting farmer interests and ensuring that procurement continues smoothly despite weather challenges.
Punjab’s wheat procurement operation is expected to continue over the coming weeks as more grain reaches mandis. With large arrivals already recorded and payments being processed, the state appears to be progressing steadily through one of its most important agricultural seasons.
For Punjab’s farmers, the success of this procurement season is about more than numbers. It represents income security, reward for months of hard work, and confidence ahead of the next sowing cycle.
As harvesting intensifies, attention will remain on timely purchases, quick payments, transport arrangements, and support for those affected by crop damage. If these systems continue to function efficiently, Punjab is likely to maintain its strong contribution to India’s food grain supply this year as well.
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