Chandigarh, March 30: With the target of procuring 122 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat, Punjab Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak emphasized on Monday that special vigilance must be maintained, especially in border districts, to prevent the arrival of wheat for sale from neighboring states.
The Minister said that District Food Supply Controllers (DFSCs) must personally visit the "mandis" and keep a strict watch to ensure that no wrongdoing occurs.
Reviewing preparations for the upcoming procurement season, Kataruchak further ordered officers to ensure cleanliness, electricity, and clean drinking water arrangements in every "mandi".
The minister was informed that the state had received a cash credit limit (CCL) of Rs 30,973 crore for April. Also, the state had set a target of procuring 122 lakh metric tonnes (LMT). However, the department had made comprehensive preparations for procuring 132 LMT.
As part of the arrangements, 1,897 procurement centers have been notified, and proposals for further 266 temporary yards have been received from District Level Procurement Committees.
The minimum support price (MSP) has been fixed at Rs 2,585 per quintal. On the issue of gunny bags, the minister urged the committees to entrust the responsibility to Inspectors of ensuring their availability in the "mandis".
On the issue of storage space, the minister said that the Chief Minister has been regularly taking up the matter with the Union Government to expedite the movement of produce from previous seasons from the state to create space for crops of upcoming seasons.
The committees should maintain continuous liaison with the Deputy Commissioners of their respective districts regarding storage and keep updating the head office, Kataruchak said.
The minister further asked the officers to ensure foolproof arrangements regarding tarpaulins and wooden crates in the "mandis".
The minister assured on the issue of petrol, diesel, and LPG supply and said that the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department is working in tandem with oil marketing companies to maintain the supply of these items.