Chandigarh: In a significant development for Punjab’s farmers and procurement system, the state government and the Centre have agreed on a major plan to address the growing grain storage crisis. Following a high-level meeting between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi, special trains will be deployed to lift around 155 lakh metric tonnes of wheat and rice from the state.
Special Trains to Speed Up Grain Movement
The Centre has approved the operation of dedicated special trains to transport the massive stockpile of food grains lying in Punjab. This move aims to ease pressure on storage facilities ahead of the upcoming Rabi procurement season.
Officials said the decision is expected to significantly reduce congestion in warehouses and procurement centres across the state.
Huge Stock Piles Strain Storage Capacity
According to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab currently has around 180 lakh metric tonnes of grain already stored in government godowns. With limited storage capacity available, the situation was expected to worsen with the arrival of the new wheat crop.
The special train arrangement is seen as a critical step to prevent a logistical breakdown in the procurement system.
Key Financial and Farmer Issues Raised
During the meeting in New Delhi, CM Mann also raised several pressing issues affecting the state’s agricultural economy, including:
- High interest rates on cash credit limits
- Pending ₹9,000 crore Rural Development Fund (RDF) dues
- Assessment and compensation for crop losses due to hailstorms and unseasonal rains
- Increase in commission rates for arhtiyas (commission agents)
He stressed the need for timely intervention from the Centre to protect farmers’ interests and reduce financial pressure on the state.
Labour and Market Issues Also Discussed
The discussion also covered pending issues related to mandi labourers’ EPF payments and outstanding dues of commission agents. The Chief Minister urged the Centre to resolve these matters promptly to ensure smooth functioning of the agricultural supply chain.
Centre Assures Positive Action
CM Mann stated on social media platform X that the Union Minister responded positively to all issues raised during the meeting. He expressed hope that key demands would be addressed on priority, particularly those related to grain lifting, RDF payments, and farmer compensation.
Focus on Farmer Welfare and State Economy
The Punjab government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests and ensuring financial stability in the agriculture sector. Both the Centre and the state agreed to continue consultations through senior-level meetings to resolve pending issues.
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