Punjab Youth Congress Chief Blasts Punjab Govt Over Paddy Procurement Failures and Stubble Blame Game
Punjab Youth Congress State President Shuvam Sharma Subhi, amidst the arrival of paddy crops in the markets, has demanded that the Punjab Government make solid arrangements for procurement, lifting, and payment in the grain markets so that farmers are not forced to sell their produce below the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
City Air News
Sep 21, 2026 09:36
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Chandigarh, September 21, 2026: Punjab Youth Congress State President Shuvam Sharma Subhi, amidst the arrival of paddy crops in the markets, has demanded that the Punjab Government make solid arrangements for procurement, lifting, and payment in the grain markets so that farmers are not forced to sell their produce below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Instead of viewing paddy procurement management and stubble management as separate issues, the government should formulate a comprehensive agricultural action plan for both. Punjab’s farmers cannot be left alone to face the uncertainty of MSP and procurement on one hand, and the pressure of stubble management on the other.
He stated that the government is well aware in advance that millions of tons of stubble are generated in Punjab after the paddy harvest; an estimated 18.81 million tons of paddy stubble is expected to be produced this year. Therefore, instead of placing the blame on farmers for stubble burning, the government must proactively provide adequate machinery, Custom Hiring Centers, baling equipment, and stubble removal facilities.
The Punjab Youth Congress President demanded that the Punjab Government immediately review the procurement setup at the district and market levels, give farmers a clear guarantee of procurement at MSP, and provide adequate machinery alongside financial assistance for stubble management. He emphasized that instead of threatening or accusing farmers, the government must stand with them and offer solutions. It must ensure paddy procurement while also facilitating the scientific management of stubble.
