The Weekend Leader - Punjab sanctioned Rs 26,707 crore for paddy procurement

Punjab sanctioned Rs 26,707 crore for paddy procurement

Chandigarh

09-October-2019

Following Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh's personal efforts, the Centre on Wednesday sanctioned a Cash Credit Limit (CCL) amount of Rs 26,707.50 crore for procurement of paddy in the Kharif marketing season for October, and official spokesman said.

A Punjab government spokesperson said the amount has been released by the Reserve Bank of India towards the credit limit till end of October.

Amarinder Singh had been personally pursuing the issue of early release of CCL with the Central government to ensure timely payment to farmers against their crop.

Expressing satisfaction at the pace of procurement, the Chief Minister directed the state Food Minister to ensure prompt lifting of the produce and release of payments to farmers within the stipulated timeframe.

As of today, a total of 3,26,839 tonnes of paddy has been procured by state procurement agencies, with PUNGRAIN purchasing 1,27,575 tonnes, followed by MARKFED (80,025), PUNSUP (48,387) and PSWC (38,116 tonnes).

The Food Corporation of India has purchased 5,627 tonnes.

Amarinder Singh has reiterated his government's commitment to facilitating smooth and hassle-free procurement in the mandis across the state.

With 29.20 lakh hectares of area under paddy cultivation, Punjab is targetting procurement of 170 lakh tonnes in the ongoing season which began on first of this month, said the spokesperson.

Last year, a total of 170.18 lakh tonnes paddy was procured, of which 169.10 lakh tonnes were procured by government agencies.IANS 



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