Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu conducted a high-level review with Food Corporation of India (FCI) officials in Chandigarh, addressing paddy procurement and storage challenges for the 2024-25 Kharif season. This meeting underscores the Government of India’s commitment to enhancing support for Punjab’s farmers and securing efficient crop storage and transport.
During the session, Punjab’s FCI General Manager B. Srinivasan and senior officials presented updates on paddy production, which is projected to reach 212 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) this season, with 49.88 LMT already procured. Punjab’s total food grain storage capacity stands at 133.57 LMT, encompassing 34.34 LMT in FCI-owned facilities and an additional 99.23 LMT in rented storage. Currently, 174.27 LMT of rice and wheat are held in storage.
Minister Bittu highlighted ongoing initiatives to expedite grain movement from Punjab, with 95 LMT of paddy lifted as of October 24, 2024. From April to October, 95.16 LMT of paddy and wheat were moved through 2,684 dedicated rail rakes, thereby easing the storage burden. In a key update, he noted that storage allocations, previously distinct for paddy and wheat, now allow for flexible use of facilities based on crop demand.
An allocation of Rs 44,000 crore has been earmarked for Minimum Support Price (MSP) payments, with the Minister emphasizing that Punjab’s government is responsible for ensuring farmers are paid within 24 hours of procurement. Notably, the MSP for paddy has increased to Rs 2,320 per quintal, reflecting an approximate Rs 1,000 rise over the past decade, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a self-sufficient agricultural sector.
Additionally, the recent Union Cabinet decision has raised the MSP for wheat by Rs 150, further demonstrating the government’s support for farmer welfare. Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi also reiterated the target to procure 185 LMT for this Kharif season and announced the upcoming launch of an online portal for rice millers’ grievance redressal, ensuring swift solutions to any arising issues.
This review meeting with FCI officials marks a critical step in addressing Punjab’s agricultural needs, ensuring farmers’ economic stability, and strengthening Punjab’s agricultural infrastructure.
