Punjab's Urgent Plea for Grain Movement: A Storage Crisis Unfolds

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met with Union Minister Prahlad Joshi seeking intervention to expedite grain transportation from the state. With storage space limited, Mann urged for direct delivery trains for wheat and increased rice movement. He also addressed pending RDF funds and procurement commission issues.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met Union Minister Prahlad Joshi to discuss the pressing need to expedite the movement of foodgrains from the state. With the Rabi Marketing Season 2025-26 around the corner, Mann highlighted the requirement for efficient procurement and storage of an anticipated 124 lakh metric tonnes of wheat.

Mann expressed concerns over a severe storage space crunch, exacerbated by leftover wheat from the previous season. He urgently requested special trains for wheat transport to address the shortfall and sought increased grain acceptance by the FCI, as only a fraction of rice has been moved.

Additionally, Mann raised issues about the commission for Arthias during procurement at silos and urged the release of Punjab's pending RDF funds. The Union Minister assured consideration of the state's requests to avert potential disruptions in the upcoming procurement season.

(With inputs from agencies.)