Minister: Smooth procurement in all grain markets in Punjab

Chandigarh, April 13

Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today said uninterrupted procurement continued in all mandis across the state. The minister said following a meeting of the joint coordination committee of procurement staff with senior officials of the department, the call for strike was withdrawn and procurement operations continued across the state.

He stressed the procurement staff were actively engaged in purchase of the farmers’ produce. On revision in the norms for shrivelled grain, the minister said that the state procurement agencies had been directed to extend all possible cooperation to central teams so that they are able to submit their report at the earliest, he added. The minister reiterated that it was unfair to hold the farmer responsible for any change in appearance of the grain. —