Punjab Mandi Board all set to procure every grain of paddy: Barsat

The Punjab govt is all prepared to procure every single grain of paddy during the upcoming Kharif season beginning Sept 16, Punjab Mandi Board chairperson Harchand Singh Barsat said on Friday.

While reviewing the procurement arrangements at a high-level meeting with district mandi officers at the Mandi Board head office, Barsat said all efforts were being made to ensure smooth and efficient procurement operations across the state. The meeting was also attended by secretary, Mandi Board, Ramvir.

Following the directions of Punjab agriculture and farmers welfare minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, the chairperson directed that all 1,822 mandis and procurement centres must be fully prepared and well-maintained to provide a seamless experience for farmers, arhtiyas, labourers, and traders.

Barsat instructed officials to ensure basic amenities including cleanliness, uninterrupted power supply, safe drinking water, restrooms, and shaded seating areas. He specifically emphasised arrangements for labourers, directing that shaded resting spaces and proper facilities be made available to ensure their comfort during the busy procurement season.

He directed district mandi officers and head office staff to personally visit mandis, conduct ground-level checks, and maintain round-the-clock monitoring to immediately resolve any issue. “The aim is to create a supportive environment where farmers can sell their produce without any hassle,” he said.

Barsat stressed that the govt’s top priority is the welfare of farmers and transparency in the procurement process. He added that a farmer-friendly mandi system is central to ensuring trust and efficiency in Punjab’s agriculture sector.

Chairperson launches Mandi Board Cricket Team jersey

Meanwhile, Barsat also launched the Punjab Mandi Board cricket team’s jersey for the second annual Employees Cricket League, organised by the Punjab Civil Secretariat Club. He encouraged the team, which earlier finished as runner-up in the All India State Agricultural Marketing Boards T-20 Cricket Tournament. On this occasion, the team presented the runner-up trophy to chairperson Barsat and secretary Ramvir.

This article has been republished from The Times of India.