Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Prahlad Joshi in New Delhi and raised many important issues to farmers and mandis. The main objective of this meeting was to provide relief to the farmers of the state and strengthen the market system.

Center agrees on grain lifting

In the meeting, the Central Government agreed to arrange special trains for the speedy lifting of 155 lakh metric tonnes of grains deposited in Punjab. This decision will prove important in reducing the storage crisis during the Rabi marketing season.

Emphasis on RDF and interest rate

CM Mann also demanded release of Rs 9,000 crore pending under Rural Development Fund (RDF). He also said that Punjab has to pay 0.55 percent more interest on cash loans than the Centre, due to which the state has to suffer huge financial losses every season. The Center has taken seriously the demand to end this gap.

Issue of crop damage due to hailstorm

The Chief Minister also expressed concern over the damage caused to the wheat crop due to the recent hailstorm. He demanded from the Center that an expert team should be sent to assess the damage, so that the affected farmers can get appropriate compensation.

Expectation of increase in commission of commission agents

To maintain the smooth functioning of the market system, the issue of commission of commission agents also remained prominent in the meeting. The Center has indicated an increase of up to Rs 4.75 per quintal on wheat and paddy, although the state government reiterated the demand to increase it further to 2.5% of the MSP.

Storage capacity becomes a big challenge

At present, more than 180 lakh metric tonnes of grains are already stored in Punjab, while the total capacity is about 183 lakh metric tonnes. In such a situation, there is a huge shortage of space for the new season’s crop. Describing this situation as serious, CM Mann raised the issue of grain and suggested alternative solutions.

Emphasis on protecting the interests of farmers

The Chief Minister made it clear that the state government is fully committed to protecting the interests of farmers. Appealing to the Center for timely intervention, he said that in view of Punjab’s important role in national food security, resolution of these issues is necessary.