Centre to Clear 18 Lakh MT Grain from Punjab Mandis: CM Mann

New Delhi, Aug 8 (PTI) Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday claimed that the Centre has agreed to lift 18 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of old grain stock lying in Punjab mandis by September 20, clearing crucial storage space for the state's expected bumper paddy crop.

Making this claim in an official statement, Mann said this will come as a major relief ahead of the paddy procurement season.

Mann said this after he raised the issue with Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi and Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar during his meeting with them.

He said the Punjab government has stepped up preparations to ensure seamless procurement and timely payment to farmers, asserting that no farmer will face difficulty in selling the produce.

With Punjab expected to supply 170 lakh metric tonnes of good-quality rice this year, the chief minister said securing adequate storage and procurement arrangements was vital not only for Punjab's farmers but also for the country's food security.


Calling for an urgent need to create space for delivery of balance rice of Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2025-26, the CM said, "During my meeting with Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi, I sought immediate movement of 18 lakh metric tonnes of rice from Punjab. It is imperative that all balance rice of Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2025-26 can be delivered in the Central Pool."

"Despite persistent paucity of space with the Food Corporation of India (FCI), our State Procurement Agencies (SPAs) have successfully delivered 86 lakh metric tonnes of rice to FCI till date," he said, according to the statement.

Underlining the importance of timely preparations for the ensuing Kharif Season, Mann said, "Creation of 18 LMT space will ensure that pending rice is delivered to FCI at the earliest. Timely completion of KMS 2025-26 rice delivery will also encourage rice millers for the ensuing Season".

He said Punjab has been a frontrunner in contributing towards the Centre's ambitious Improved Rice Scheme and has already delivered over 11.70 LMTs of Improved Rice to FCI.

Apprising the Union food minister about the timely preparations being made by the Punjab government for the upcoming kharif season, the chief minister said, "As a result of the hard work of our farmers, the state is expected to witness another bumper crop this year with procurement of 180 LMT of paddy."

"Preparations for yet another seamless procurement experience for our farmers are being ensured. I have also requested the Centre to immediately ensure lifting of 27 LMTs of wheat lying at rice mills and mandi yards from the state to other consuming states under Centre's welfare schemes. This will ensure optimum storage space for incoming paddy during KMS 2026-27."