The North News
Chandigarh, December 19
The Punjab government has said the wheat and paddy procurement seasons for 2025–26 were completed smoothly, with officials pointing to improved market facilities and faster payments to farmers. According to the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, arrangements at mandis included sanitation, drinking water and timely availability of sacks, aimed at easing pressure on farmers, commission agents and labourers during peak arrivals. More than 130 lakh metric tonnes of wheat were procured during April and May, with officials saying the grain was lifted within 72 hours. Payments amounting to over ₹27,000 crore were transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts.
The paddy procurement season in October and November also recorded high volumes despite floods affecting parts of the state. Officials said over 156 lakh metric tonnes of paddy were procured and more than ₹37,000 crore paid to farmers. The government said a campaign urging farmers to bring dry crops to mandis helped reduce delays and ensured better prices.
Separately, authorities said technology-driven measures were strengthening the public distribution system. Electronic point-of-sale machines and electronic weighing scales have been installed at fair price shops to improve transparency under the National Food Security Act.
Officials added that about 86% of beneficiaries—around 1.31 crore people—have completed electronic identity verification. The Legal Metrology Wing reported revenue of ₹16.41 crore so far in the 2025–26 financial year from enforcement of weight and measurement rules.
