SAS Nagar, October 11: Paddy procurement operations are progressing smoothly across all grain markets of SAS Nagar district. With 35% arrival of the expected crop, the district has so far procured 71,265 metric tonnes (MT) of paddy out of the projected 2,01,199 MT.
Out of this, 46,768 MT of paddy has already been lifted, accounting for an impressive 82% lifting within 72 hours of purchase. Among the agencies, Pungrain leads with 28,042 MT procured, followed by Markfed (18,249 MT), Punsup (14,612 MT), and Punjab State Warehouse Corporation (8,917 MT). The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has also initiated lifting operations.
Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal said that the timely lifting and payment reflects effective coordination between procurement agencies, market committees, and the district administration. She appreciated the efforts of all officials involved in maintaining efficiency and ensuring smooth mandi operations.
On the payment front, the DC informed that the district has made Rs 163.71 crore payments to farmers so far against Rs 146.03 crore due, achieving 112% payment within 48 hours of procurement — one of the best performances in the region.
Appealing to farmers, Komal Mittal urged them to bring only dry and properly cleaned paddy to the Mandis so that the procurement process remains uninterrupted and smooth. She also advised them to dispose of crop residue responsibly using Crop Residue Management (CRM) Machinery, to help reduce stubble burning and maintain air quality.
“The administration is fully committed to ensuring timely purchase, lifting, and payment for every grain brought by our farmers,” she said, assuring that all arrangements in the Mandis are being closely monitored.