Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak raises issues of storage space, Arhityas, Labourers before Union Minister of State Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya

Khanna (Ludhiana), May 2, 2025: Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya along with Punjab’s Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, Lal Chand Kataruchak, visited Asia’s largest grain market here on Friday to review wheat procurement arrangements. 

Punjab Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak raised concerns before the Union Minister regarding the demands of arhtiyas and labourers involved in wheat procurement in Punjab. He urged an increase in the commission agents’ fees due to rising inflation. Additionally, he highlighted the issue of insufficient storage space across Punjab, emphasizing that the state procures grain for the central pool and thus requires enhanced storage facilities. 

Union Minister of State Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya assured that the demands and issues would be addressed with a positive approach.

The Cabinet Minister also informed the Union Minister that wheat procurement is progressing smoothly across Punjab’s markets. So far, 116 lakh metric tons of wheat have arrived in the markets, of which 114 lakh metric tons have been procured, and payments of Rs 23,000 crore have been made to farmers. He noted that 99% of the wheat procurement operations have been completed, and farmers are returning from the markets satisfied.

Union Minister Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhania praised the Punjab government for its excellent procurement arrangements, stating that a total of 2,885 procurement centers have been established across the state to ensure smooth and uninterrupted procurement. Of these, 1,864 are regular centers, while 1,021 are temporary. She added that this year’s bumper crop, due to high yields, will significantly help achieve the target of 124 lakh metric tons. 

During their visit to the Khanna grain market, both the ministers held detailed discussions with farmers and commission agents regarding wheat arrivals and procurement. They expressed satisfaction with the Punjab government’s arrangements and instructed officials to ensure timely lifting of procured stocks.

Upon arrival at the Market Committee Office in Khanna, Union Minister of State was also accorded a Guard of Honour by the Khanna Police contingent.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included  Joint Secretary of the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, C Shikha, General Manager FCI, B. Srinivasan, Director Food Supplies Department Varinder Kumar Sharma, MD Punsup Sonali Giri and others.