Chandigarh, December 19
In a testimony to the pro-farmer approach of the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department under the guidance of Lal Chand Kataruchak ensured the successful Wheat and Paddy procurement seasons during the year 2025-26. Both the seasons saw foolproof arrangements in the mandis with regard to the proper sanitation, water and the bardana for the benefit of all the stakeholders i.e. Farmers, Arhtiyas, Labourers which contributed hugely to ensuring seamless and hassle free procurement seasons.
The Wheat procurement season spread over April-May saw over 130 Lakh Metric Tonne (LMT) of the farmers’ produce being procured and lifted within the time span of 72 hours. Over Rs. 27000 Crore were credited into the accounts of the farmers.
Likewise, the Paddy procurement season (October-November) was also proven to be a resounding success despite the State being ravaged by floods. The department machinery rose up to the challenge posed by the floods and ensured a successful season with more than 156 LMT of the paddy being procured and payments in excess of Rs. 37000 Crore being credited into the farmers accounts.
The highlight of the season was the stupendous success of the campaign launched by the State Government exhorting the farmers to bring dry crop into the mandis so as to get the adequate price for their crops produced with the great effort.
To ensure smooth distribution of wheat under National Food Security Act (NFSA) and to bring transparency and efficiency in operational in Public Distribution System, a dedicated ePoS device and Electronic Weighing Scale (EWS) has been deployed at each Fair Price shop and each Electronic weighing machine has been integrated with the ePoS device.
Further, till date, approximately 1.31 Crore beneficiaries have performed their eKYC. The main mandate of the Legal Metrology Wing is to safeguard the rights of consumers in respect of correct weight and measurement and take appropriate legal action against the violation of the rules made under the Legal Metrology Act 2009. During the financial year 2025–26, revenue of ₹16.41 crore has been generated up to October 31st, 2025.
