Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab Govt committed to addressing rice millers' concerns ahead of procurement season: GoM
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 10, 2025: The Punjab Government is actively addressing the concerns of rice millers and other key stakeholders in preparation for the upcoming Kharif procurement season. A high-level meeting was held today by the Group of Ministers (GoM) constituted to ensure seamless procurement of wheat and paddy across the state.
Chairing the meeting, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led government is committed to ensuring smooth procurement operations.
“With the sowing season underway, the state is proactively engaging with all stakeholders—farmers, rice millers, arhtiyas, and labourers—to make the upcoming procurement season hassle-free,” he said.
Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak added that millers have appreciated the state’s early preparations.
“The Chief Minister is taking a personal interest in resolving their issues and will soon meet Union Minister Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi to address matters under the Union Government’s purview,” he said. Kataruchak also revealed that 105 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of foodgrains have already been moved out of the state to create sufficient storage space.
Transport and Jails Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar reiterated the government's commitment to the welfare of rice millers, calling them “the backbone of the procurement process.” He emphasized that each policy and step taken is being designed with their interests in mind.
Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal echoed similar sentiments, noting that the Punjab Government considers every stakeholder an equal partner in the state’s development. “Whether in procurement or policy, the government stands shoulder to shoulder with them,” he stated.
The meeting was also attended by senior officials including Principal Secretary, Food and Civil Supplies Rahul Tiwari, Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Ramvir, and MD PUNSUP Sonali Giri, along with representatives of the rice millers’ associations.