CHANDIGARH: In a crucial meeting held on Wednesday, the Punjab government’s ministerial group tasked with overseeing crop procurement preparations conducted a thorough review of arrangements for the upcoming 2026-27 wheat procurement season. The Group of Ministers (GoM), comprising key figures such as Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruachak, Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, and Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, delved into every aspect of the process.
The panel was briefed that the wheat buying season is slated to commence on April 1, with the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department targeting the procurement of approximately 132 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat. The minimum support price (MSP) has been fixed at Rs 2,585 per quintal, ensuring farmers receive a fair deal amid fluctuating market conditions.
A major focus of the discussion was storage infrastructure. Officials highlighted that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has been lifting 5 LMT of wheat and 5 LMT of rice monthly since August 2025. However, to accommodate the new season’s produce, at least 15 LMT of wheat must be evacuated each month. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has repeatedly urged the central government on this issue, including in recent high-level communications.
To bolster storage capacity, the department is exploring options like constructing plinths and utilizing vacant spaces in rice mills. Regular reviews with district administrations are underway, alongside coordination with FCI district managers for contingency plans and alternative arrangements by the Directorate of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (DFSC).
Procurement operations are gearing up with orders placed for 391,320 plastic crates, of which 231,055 have been received, and the rest expected by March. Additionally, 675,000 wooden crates have been ordered, and LLDPE covers (tarpaulins) are readily available to protect the harvested grain.
The ministers also addressed demands from commission agents (arthiyas) to raise their commission from Rs 45 to Rs 64 per quintal, assuring that the state government is vigorously pursuing this with the Centre. Reiterating the state’s commitment to all stakeholders, the GoM directed officials to ensure a seamless, transparent procurement process. Senior officials including Principal Secretary Rahul Tiwari and others were present at the meeting.