The North News
Chandigarh, September 24
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has assured farmers that this year’s paddy procurement will be carried out without delays or disruption, as the state targets the purchase of 175 lakh metric tonnes of grain. Speaking at a review meeting in Chandigarh, Mann said farmers had not faced problems in the past three years and pledged that “every grain produced with the sweat and toil of Punjabi farmers” would be purchased. The Chief Minister warned officials of strict action if farmers experienced difficulties at procurement centres. He said 1,822 purchase centres had been notified by the Punjab Mandi Board for the 2025-26 kharif marketing season. Mann urged farmers to bring paddy only after drying it to avoid delays caused by high moisture content. He said the government had made “foolproof arrangements” for timely lifting of stocks and prompt payments.The procurement, which began on 15 September, will be personally monitored by the Chief Minister. He said transparency and efficiency would remain the guiding principles throughout the process.
