Kerala Minister praises Punjab’s food procurement system, hails resilience amid floods

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The North News

Chandigarh, September 24

Kerala’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister G.R. Anil has lauded the Punjab government’s procurement mechanism, describing it as robust and transparent. He also praised the resilience of Punjabis, calling their “Charhdi Kala” (ever-rising spirit) remarkable even during recent floods.

During his visit to Anaj Bhawan in Chandigarh, Punjab’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak briefed Anil on the state’s system. Despite covering just 1.5% of India’s land area, Punjab contributes 40–45% of wheat and 20–25% of paddy to the central pool, he said.

Kataruchak highlighted that over 800,000 farmers, 25,000 commission agents, 5,000 millers and 500 labour and transport contractors are registered on the Anaaj Kharid portal. The platform tracks crop details, land records and procurement data, ensuring transparency.

He added that crops are lifted within 72 hours of purchase and payments are credited to farmers’ bank accounts within 48 hours. Punjab has also rolled out online gate passes and a vehicle tracking system.

There are more than 14,000 fair price shops across Punjab distributing free wheat under the National Food Security Act. Each shop is equipped with e-PoS machines to ensure transparency. Farmers’ crops are procured at the Minimum Support Price, currently set at ₹2,389 per quintal for paddy.

Calling Punjab the “food basket of India,” Anil commended both the state’s procurement process and the spirit of its people. The visit was attended by senior officials, including Principal Secretary Rahul Tiwari and Director Varinder Kumar Sharma.