Punjab Paddy Procurement Crosses a Record 150 Lakh Tonnesਪੰਜਾਬ ਵਿੱਚ ਝੋਨੇ ਦੀ ਖ਼ਰੀਦ ਰਿਕਾਰਡ 150 ਲੱਖ ਟਨ ਤੋਂ ਪਾਰ

Punjab's mandis have taken in a record 150 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy in the 2026-27 kharif marketing season, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said on Friday, November 6. Rs 33,000 crore has already been credited to farmers' accounts, and lifting has crossed 110 LMT.

How big is the record?

According to the minister's statement, as reported by PTI and The Tribune, arrivals have crossed 152 LMT while procurement has gone past 150 LMT. Buying began on October 1. Kataruchak credited the numbers to farmers' confidence in the state's procurement system and said Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's government had kept operations smooth and hassle-free across all mandis.

What about lifting and storage?

Progressive lifting, the movement of bought grain out of the mandis, has exceeded 110 LMT. The share lifted within 72 hours of procurement stands at 84.65 per cent. The minister said special emphasis is being placed on speeding up lifting so that mandis stay clear for fresh arrivals and farmers do not face inconvenience. The statement gave no mandi-wise or district-wise breakdown.

How much have farmers been paid?

Kataruchak said Rs 33,000 crore has been credited to farmers' accounts. He repeated the government's pledge that every grain of the farmers' produce will be procured and payments made in a time-bound manner. Farmers sell at the minimum support price, so payment speed is one of the most closely watched measures each autumn.

What did the minister promise?

Kataruchak said the Food and Civil Supplies department is working with procurement agencies, the Mandi Board, transporters and labour to speed up lifting. He described the process as farmer-friendly and said no farmer would be left waiting at the mandi gate for want of space or payment.

Why does it matter now?

The paddy harvest is winding down, and wheat sowing is under way in many districts. Quick lifting frees space in mandis and godowns, which earlier this season were still partly occupied by old stock. The record also comes alongside heavy stubble-burning numbers, as Punjab clears fields for the next crop.

How much paddy has Punjab bought this season?

More than 150 lakh metric tonnes, from arrivals of over 152 lakh tonnes, according to the state minister.

How much have farmers been paid so far?

Rs 33,000 crore has been credited to their accounts, the minister said.

How much paddy has been lifted from mandis?

Over 110 lakh metric tonnes, with 84.65 per cent of the past 72 hours' procurement already moved.