CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is leaving no stone unturned to ensure creation of ample storage space in view of the ongoing paddy procurement season. Pursuant to the relentless efforts made by the State Government, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) would move 15 Lakh Metric Tonne (LMT) of rice from Punjab by October end and the task would be completed with the deployment of 20 Trains, 3 Containers and some small trucks.
Disclosing this here today while interacting with the media, the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak said that till December 31st, 2024, nearly 40 LMT of rice would be moved out from the godowns of the State thereby creating sufficient storage space.
Also, more godowns are being constructed on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. He further divulged that 90 LMT of storage space would be created by March next year. Hence, there would no shortage of space for storing the foodgrains.
The Minister further said that the arhtiyas have started the procurement of Basmati rice from today itself and also said that the State Government is fully sympathetic to their demands and the issues raised by them.
Exhorting the farmers to desist from blocking rail tracks, the Minister said that this would hamper the creation of sufficient storage space for new produce in the godowns of State.