Chandigarh, October 24, 2024: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued notices to the Central Government, Punjab Government, and Food Corporation of India (FCI) regarding inadequate paddy lifting in Punjab, directing them to submit replies by October 29.
Tensions between the Punjab government and the central authorities have intensified over various issues, including the procurement of paddy. The Punjab government has attributed the current situation to the central government’s actions.
Moreover, farmers under the Bharatiya Kisan Union Ekta Ugrahan have organized protests, including making toll plazas free in 14 districts.
In light of the ongoing challenges, a delegation of farmers met with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who assured them that their concerns would be addressed.
On October 22, Mann also spoke with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the issues plaguing paddy procurement in Punjab, including the problems faced by rice millers.
Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian criticized the central government, stating, “The delay in transferring previous crops to warehouses in Punjab is severely disrupting the procurement of paddy.”
On October 21, Chief Minister Mann convened a high-level meeting with officials to discuss the paddy purchase process across the state.
He said that there is a dire need to address the issue, stating, “Paddy lifting should be expedited to ensure that farmers do not encounter any difficulties.”
He also said that Punjab has played a vital role in making India self-reliant in grain production.
