S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali), June 30, 2026: With the aim of digitizing and modernizing agricultural marketing and boosting farmers' income, S. Harchand Singh Barsat—Chairman of the National Council of State Agricultural Marketing Boards (COSAMB) and the Punjab Mandi Board—undertook a special visit to the world-renowned Rungis International Wholesale Market in Paris, France.
The primary objective of this visit was to closely study the operational mechanisms of the market for fresh agricultural produce, international trade and marketing systems, and modern supply chain management. Chairman S. Harchand Singh Barsat toured the vast sections dedicated to fruits, vegetables, and cheese at the Rungis market. He met with managers and experts there to gather detailed information regarding international standards for product quality, packaging, cold storage, and digital systems.
Sharing details from Paris, S. Harchand Singh Barsat stated that under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government is continuously striving to increase farmers' income and modernize agricultural marketing. He noted that he gained valuable insights into the modern techniques employed at this world-famous market in Paris.
Efforts will be made to implement this international experience and the knowledge gained within fruit and vegetable markets, thereby minimizing crop wastage and ensuring farmers receive fair prices for their produce. The high-tech systems in place there were also studied, which will prove beneficial for future agricultural marketing reforms.
He further added that, as Chairman of COSAMB, he would endeavor to upgrade markets across the country—including those in Punjab—in a similar manner, ensuring that farmers' produce is protected from spoilage and that fresh, hygienic agricultural products reach consumers.