The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains dedicated to ensuring sufficient storage space for the upcoming Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2025-26.
To achieve this, District Food and Supplies Controllers (DFSCs) must expedite the rice milling process from the previous Kharif season to prevent storage challenges. Additionally, comprehensive alternative storage plans for wheat must be put in place.
This was stated by Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak in Chandigarh on Tuesday at Anaj Bhawan while reviewing the arrangements for RMS 2025-26.
The minister emphasized the need to complete the e-KYC process for beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, by March 31 to ensure that all eligible individuals receive subsidized food grains.
"This initiative should be turned into a widespread movement," he said. He also instructed that the distribution of wheat under the ongoing NFSA/PMGKAY cycle be completed by March 31, in line with directives from the Government of India.
Officials informed the minister that while the target for wheat procurement is 124 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT), preparations have been made for procuring up to 132 LMT. A total of 1,864 regular purchase centers have been set up, and wheat will be procured at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹2,425 per quintal.
So far, 75% of the required gunny bags have been received, and directions have been issued to ensure wooden crates are ready by April 10.
The minister further stressed that timely payments to farmers must be a priority, alongside sufficient arrangements for labor and transportation. "Every transaction must be conducted with full transparency to ensure a smooth and successful wheat procurement season for 2025-26," he added.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Rahul Tiwari, Secretary-cum-Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, Additional Secretary Kamal Kumar Garg, AMD Pungrain Rakesh Popli, and Additional Director Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar.