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Punjab Minister Orders Border Vigil to Block Wheat Arrivals from Neighbouring States

Punjab Food Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak has directed officials to maintain strict vigilance in border districts to prevent wheat from neighbouring states from being brought in for sale during the state's procurement season. The state has received a cash credit limit of over ₹30,000 crore and aims to procure 122 lakh metric tonnes of wheat, with preparations made for up to 132 LMT. Over 1,800 procurement centres have been notified, and the MSP has been set at ₹2,585 per quintal. The minister also reviewed arrangements for mandi facilities, storage space, and the supply of essential fuels.

Key Points: Punjab to Block Wheat from Neighbouring States, Says Minister

  • Border checks to stop outside wheat
  • ₹30,973 crore credit for procurement
  • MSP fixed at ₹2,585 per quintal
  • 1,897 procurement centres notified
2 min read

Prevent wheat arrival from neighbouring states for selling, says Punjab minister

Punjab Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak orders strict border checks to prevent wheat arrivals from other states for sale during the 122 LMT procurement season.

"special vigil be maintained especially in border districts to prevent wheat arrival for sale from neighbouring states - Lal Chand Kataruchak"

Chandigarh, March 30

With the target of procuring 122 lakh metric tonnes wheat, Punjab Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Monday emphasised that special vigil be maintained especially in border districts to prevent wheat arrival for sale from neighbouring states.

The Minister said that the District Food Supply Controllers (DFSCs) must personally visit the 'mandis' and keep a strict eye to make sure any wrongdoing doesn't happen.

Reviewing preparations with regard to the upcoming procurement season, Kataruchak further ordered the officers to ensure cleanliness, electricity and clean drinking water arrangements in every 'mandi'.

The minister was apprised that the state has received the cash credit limit (CCL) of Rs 30,973 crore for April. Also, the state has received the target of procuring 122 lakh metric tonnes (LMT). However, the department has made comprehensive preparations for procuring 132 LMT.

As part of the arrangements, 1,897 procurement centres have been notified and proposals for further 266 temporary yards have been received from District Level Procurement Committees.

The minimum support price (MSP) has been fixed at Rs 2,585 per quintal. On the issue of gunny bales, the minister exhorted the committees to entrust the responsibility to Inspectors of ensuring their availability in the 'mandis'.

On the issue of storage space, the minister said the Chief Minister has taken up the matter with the Union Government at regular intervals to speed up the moving of previous seasons' produce from the state to make space for crops of upcoming seasons.

The committees should maintain continuous liaison with the Deputy Commissioners of their respective districts with regard to storage and keep updating the head office, said Kataruchak.

The minister further asked the officers to foolproof arrangements in respect of tarpaulins, wooden crates in the 'mandis'.

The minister assured on the issue of petrol, diesel and LPG supply and said the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department is working in tandem with the oil marketing companies to maintain the supply of these items.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I understand the intent, isn't this creating artificial barriers within the country? What about the principle of one national market? The focus should be on improving efficiency and storage across all states, not restricting movement.
P
Priyanka N
Good to see the minister talking about basic facilities like clean water and electricity in mandis. Often these basic things are overlooked. Hope the DFSCs actually visit and don't just sit in their offices. Our farmers deserve better infrastructure.
A
Aman W
The storage issue is the real elephant in the room. Every year we hear about crops rotting. The CM must push the Centre harder to move old stock. 30,000+ crore is a huge credit, but without proper storage, it's wasted. 🏗️
K
Kavya N
MSP at ₹2585/quintal is a relief for farmers facing high input costs. But the real test is timely payment. Last year there were delays in some districts. Hope the cash credit limit ensures smooth and immediate payments this season.
V
Vikram M
They talk about foolproof arrangements for tarpaulins and crates every year. Yet, every monsoon we see news of wheat getting damaged. Accountability is key. Which officer will be held responsible if things go wrong? The plan needs clear responsibility.

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