Group of Ministers reviews readiness for Paddy 2026-27 and Wheat 2027-28 procurement seasons;
Seeks meeting with Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution to resolve storage space issue
Chandigarh, July 21:
The Group of Ministers (GoM) comprising Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak and Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal held a marathon meeting at Anaj Bhawan in Sector – 39 here today to review the arrangements in respect of the upcoming Paddy procurement season 2026 – 27 and Wheat procurement season 2027 – 28.
The Group of Ministers held comprehensive discussions on the significant issue of the movement of foodgrains which is absolutely necessary to create storage space in view of the forthcoming procurement season.
The Ministers were apprised that in the present year, the movement of foodgrain from the State stands at 75.67 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) from January to July. Out of this, a total of 37.13 LMT is Wheat and 38.54 LMT accounts for Paddy.
It was also brought to the notice of the Group of Ministers that the total covered space available is 181 LMT comprising covered space and silos while the open capacity is 68 LMT.
The GoM highlighted that the matter with regard to the accelerated movement of the foodgrains has been taken up with the Union Government at regular intervals by the Chief Minister. A strong case has been made to move atleast 12 LMT of Wheat and Paddy each and every month but the movement rate stands at just 5 LMT.
The GoM decided to seek time from the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution to personally take up various issues especially the movement of foodgrains from the State.
It was also brought to the attention of the GoM that a target of procuring 180 LMT of Paddy for the Central pool has been demanded from the Union Government in respect of the upcoming paddy procurement season. The paddy would be procured at the rate of Rs. 2462 Per Quintal.
Besides, the draft of the Custom Milling Policy has been sent to the Finance Department for approval. As regards the Rabi Marketing Season 2027 – 28, there is a likelihood of the Central Government fixing the procurement target at 132 LMT.
Among others present on the occasion included the Director Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department Varinder Kumar Sharma, MD Markfed Vishesh Sarangal, Additional Secretary PUNGRAIN Kamal Kumar Garg, MD PUNSUP B. Srinivasan, GM FCI Nikita Pawar and Additional Director Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Ajayveer Singh Sarao.
