Chandigarh, Nov 16: The Punjab government on Sunday said it has achieved a major milestone in the ongoing paddy procurement season, with more than 11 lakh farmers receiving Minimum Support Price (MSP) payments as of November 12. The state described the progress as evidence of smooth procurement under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership.
According to the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, 11,31,270 farmers have been paid MSP so far. Patiala district leads the state with 96,920 beneficiaries.
The government said the procurement, lifting and payment operations are running at full pace under Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak. By the evening of November 12, a total of 1,54,78,162.41 metric tonnes of paddy had arrived in mandis across Punjab. Of this, 1,53,89,039.51 metric tonnes—99 per cent of arrivals—has been procured.
The lifting of stocks has also progressed steadily, with 1,41,09,483.18 metric tonnes lifted so far, amounting to 91 per cent of the procured paddy.
The Mann government said the numbers reflect its commitment to ensuring timely payments and hassle-free procurement for farmers across the state.
