Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s Demands for Better Harvest Procurement Rates
As the harvest season kicks off in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has put forward several demands to the central government. He wants the procurement rate for dry harvest to be increased from 0.5% to 1%. A significant meeting on paddy procurement was held in Delhi, attended by Union Food Minister Prahlad Joshi, Minister of State for Food Ravneet Singh Bittu, and CM Bhagwant Mann. The meeting focused on improving food grain procurement strategies in Punjab.
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu assured that farmers’ issues will be prioritized, stating, “Under the leadership of Modi ji, the BJP government has taken every possible step to empower and support farmers in Punjab.”
CM Mann emphasized the importance of the harvest season, likening it to a festival in Punjab. He mentioned that Punjab will sell 180 lakh metric tons of harvest to the center and expressed concerns about potential challenges similar to last year. Mann also highlighted the need for proper milling facilities, with rice milling set to begin on November 15. He noted that Punjab currently holds 120 lakh metric tons of rice, which the government aims to clear by March 31.
Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal criticized the Punjab and Delhi governments for delays in crop procurement, causing unrest among commission agents, farmers, and rice millers. He warned of a potential large-scale protest if the government fails to address these issues.
Doubts Revealed
Punjab -: Punjab is a state in northern India known for its agriculture, especially wheat and rice production. It is often called the ‘Granary of India’.
CM -: CM stands for Chief Minister, who is the head of the government in an Indian state. Bhagwant Mann is the current Chief Minister of Punjab.
Procurement Rate -: Procurement rate is the price at which the government buys crops from farmers. It is important for farmers to get a good rate to earn a fair income.
Union Food Minister -: The Union Food Minister is a central government official responsible for food-related policies in India. Prahlad Joshi is currently involved in discussions about food procurement.
Minister of State for Food -: The Minister of State for Food assists the Union Food Minister in managing food policies. Ravneet Singh Bittu is currently serving in this role.
Milling Facilities -: Milling facilities are places where grains like wheat and rice are processed into flour or other products. Good facilities help in better processing and storage of crops.
Balbir Singh Rajewal -: Balbir Singh Rajewal is a farmer leader in Punjab. He speaks on behalf of farmers and raises concerns about issues like crop procurement delays.
Protests -: Protests are public demonstrations where people gather to express their opinions or demands. Farmers may protest if they feel their needs are not being met.