AMRITSAR: The Hon'ble Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Singh Mann, has directed all officials across the state to visit the mandis daily and resolve any issues faced by the farmers on the spot. Providing further details, Deputy Commissioner Madam Sakshi Sawhney stated that clear instructions have been given to all SDMs, mandi officials, food supply officers, and the officials of various agencies to personally visit the mandis and ensure the purchase and lifting of paddy under their supervision.
She informed that there has been a significant increase in the arrival and purchase of paddy in the mandis of district Amritsar. As of last evening, 21, 340 metric tons of paddy had arrived in the mandis, of which 20, 668 metric tons were purchased by various agencies and arhtiyas (commission agents). Additionally, ₹13.03 crore has been paid to farmers by different agencies.
Deputy Commissioner Amritsar, Madam Sakshi Sawhney, emphasized that there is no shortage of gunny bags (bardana) for the purchase of paddy in the mandis, and all procurement agencies are ensuring the seamless procurement of paddy. Furthermore, she mentioned that 2, 94, 519 metric tons of Basmati rice had also arrived in the mandis, and private sheller owners had purchased the entire stock of Basmati on the spot, making immediate payments to the farmers.
Today, to review the procurement arrangements for paddy, Regional Transport Secretary S. Khushdil Singh, along with District Food and Supplies Officer S. Sartaj Singh, District Mandi Officer S. Amandeep Singh, and managers from various agencies, visited Jandiala Dana Mandi. They inspected the purchase and lifting of paddy under their supervision. On this occasion, RTA S. Khushdil Singh informed that with the increase in the arrival of paddy in Jandiala Dana Mandi, the lifting process has also been expedited, ensuring that farmers do not face any difficulties. He further stated that farmers are being paid not only within days but in some cases within a few hours of the purchase of their paddy.