Sandhu Issues Strict Directions To Procure 1509 Basmati

Chandigarh/Rayya (Amritsar), October 5, 2015: Principal Secretary to Punjab Chief Minister Mr.S.K.Sandhu today visited the grain markets of district Amritsar to review the paddy procurement and held discussions with officers concerned, arthiyas and farmers.

Reviewing arrangements with his start from Rayya grain market, Mr. Sandhu said the state was committed to lift every single grain of farmers besides asking procurement agencies to procure and ensure timely lifting of 1509 Basmati variety. Mr. Sandhu, who met farmers sitting besides the heaps of their crops, assured them that state has made elaborated procurement arrangements and their every single grain will be procured and lifted.

The officers of Mandi Board department apprised Principal Secretary that in Amritsar district about 1.5 lakh tones of 1509 Basmati variety was expected to arrive in Amritsar mandis this season with 80000 tonnes arrival till date. Mr. Sandhu asked the officers to initiate the lifting process of procured paddy to avert any congestion or chaos in the mandis of the district. 

Answering a query of media persons at Rayya mandi, Mr. Sandhu said that the procurement was going on in smooth and hassle free manner and any lapse has not been reported in the procurement process. He informed that till date Rayya mandi has witnessed arrival of 6000 tonnes of 1509 basmati which had been procured.

Referring to the issue of moisture content in the basmati, Mr. Sandhu urged farmers to bring their produce in requisite dryness. He also asked Deputy Commissioner Mr. Ravi Bhagat to initiate action against those allowing operation of combines in their field during night hours.

Mr. Sandhu, was accompanied among others by senior IAS officers, MD Markfed Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, MD Punsup Captain P.S. Shergill, MD Warehouse Mr. A.S. Bains, Secretary Mandi Board Mr. Deepinder Singh and Deputy Commissioner.