Chandigarh, November 21, 2024: Orders have been issued in Punjab to clear crops from grain markets by November 26, following strict directives from the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the lifting of paddy. In response, the Punjab government has taken swift action and communicated with procurement agencies through the food and civil supplies department.
A letter from the government highlights the High Court’s orders, emphasizing that crops must be cleared from the markets within three days of procurement to avoid further delays. The deadline for all crops to be removed is set for November 26, ensuring farmers face no logistical issues.
Earlier, the Punjab government had raised concerns with Central Government Ministers, addressing challenges in paddy lifting, storage space, and requesting solutions. The issue became a point of contention between the Punjab and Central governments, eventually reaching the High Court, which urged both sides to collaborate on resolving the matter.
So far, 165.77 lakh tonnes of paddy have arrived in Punjab’s markets, with 163.36 lakh tonnes purchased. Of this, 141.92 lakh tonnes have been lifted, leaving about 22 lakh tonnes still to be cleared. Procurement agencies are continuing their efforts to expedite the process
