Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Prepares for Paddy Procurement Season
On Sunday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann chaired a meeting to discuss the upcoming paddy procurement season, which starts on October 1. The state government plans to procure 185 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from 32 lakh hectares of cultivated land.
Mann announced that the Reserve Bank of India has released Rs. 41,378 crore for the Khareef Marketing Season 2024-25. The Government of India has set the Minimum Support Price (MSP) at Rs. 2320 per quintal for grade ‘A’ paddy.
The Chief Minister assured that state procurement agencies, including Pungrain, Markfed, Punsup, PSWC, and FCI, will buy paddy at the MSP. He emphasized that all preparations for smooth and hassle-free procurement are in place, ensuring that farmers receive timely payments directly into their bank accounts.
Mann instructed Deputy Commissioners to oversee the procurement process in their districts, visit mandis daily, and submit reports for regular monitoring. He also announced a relief measure for rice millers, allowing the first 750 millers who apply for custom milling to receive 25% more paddy than their entitlement.
Doubts Revealed
Punjab CM -: Punjab CM stands for Punjab Chief Minister. The Chief Minister is the head of the government in the state of Punjab, which is a region in India.
Bhagwant Mann -: Bhagwant Mann is the current Chief Minister of Punjab. He is a political leader responsible for making important decisions for the state.
Paddy Procurement -: Paddy procurement means buying rice crops from farmers. The government buys these crops to help farmers get a fair price.
Lakh -: Lakh is a unit in the Indian numbering system. One lakh equals 100,000.
Metric Tonnes -: Metric tonnes are a unit of weight. One metric tonne is equal to 1,000 kilograms.
Hectares -: Hectares are a unit of area used to measure land. One hectare is about the size of a football field.
Rs. -: Rs. stands for Rupees, which is the currency used in India.
Minimum Support Price -: Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the lowest price the government promises to pay farmers for their crops. It helps ensure farmers get a fair price.
Quintal -: A quintal is a unit of weight. One quintal equals 100 kilograms.
Deputy Commissioners -: Deputy Commissioners are government officials in charge of districts. They help make sure things run smoothly in their areas.