Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Seeks Central Help for Paddy Procurement
In Rupnagar, Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has urged the Central Government to assist with paddy procurement to clear the state’s mandis and prepare for the upcoming wheat harvest. Mann discussed the issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution to the rice millers’ concerns, which are linked to the central government.
Mann stated that the state government has addressed most of the millers’ demands and facilitated meetings in Delhi. He expressed hope that the Home Minister would meet with the millers to resolve their issues, ensuring smooth procurement. Mann highlighted the importance of this season, describing it as a festival for Punjab’s economy, which heavily relies on agriculture.
The Chief Minister also mentioned the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, which is transferring money to farmers’ accounts. He stressed that Punjab and Haryana contribute significantly to the country’s wheat production, and any delay in procurement could impact future wheat production. Mann called for the Central Government’s support to expedite procurement and free up the mandis.
Earlier, Mann outlined several demands to the Centre, including adjusting the procurement rate for dry harvest. A critical meeting on paddy procurement was held in Delhi, chaired by Union Food Minister Prahlad Joshi, Minister of State for Food Ravneet Singh Bittu, and Mann. The meeting focused on strategies for efficient food grain procurement in Punjab.
Mann reiterated the significance of the harvesting season, likening it to a festival due to its economic impact. He noted that Punjab plans to sell 180 lakh metric tons of harvest to the Centre and expressed concerns about potential challenges similar to last year. Additionally, Mann emphasized the need for adequate milling facilities, with rice milling set to begin on November 15.
Doubts Revealed
Punjab CM -: Punjab CM stands for Punjab Chief Minister. The Chief Minister is the head of the government in the Indian state of Punjab. Currently, Bhagwant Mann is the Chief Minister.
Paddy Procurement -: Paddy procurement is the process of buying rice crops from farmers. The government often buys these crops to ensure farmers get a fair price and to maintain food supply.
Central Government -: The Central Government is the national government of India, which makes decisions for the entire country. It is different from state governments, which manage individual states like Punjab.
Mandis -: Mandis are marketplaces where farmers sell their crops. In India, these are important for trading agricultural products like rice and wheat.
Union Home Minister -: The Union Home Minister is a high-ranking official in the Indian government responsible for internal security and domestic policy. Amit Shah is the current Union Home Minister.
Rice Millers -: Rice millers are people or companies that process raw rice into edible rice. They play a crucial role in making rice ready for consumption.
Wheat Production -: Wheat production refers to growing and harvesting wheat, a staple food grain in India. Punjab and Haryana are major wheat-producing states in India.
Milling Facilities -: Milling facilities are places where grains like rice and wheat are processed. Proper facilities ensure that the grains are processed efficiently and safely.
Procurement Rate -: Procurement rate is the price at which the government buys crops from farmers. Adjusting this rate can help ensure farmers get a fair price for their produce.
