Glut expected in mandis, admn enhances inter-dept coordination

Rank and file in the administration have been asked to pull up their socks in preparation of the expected inflow of higher quantities of paddy as more farmers have started harvesting their crops. Increased coordination among government personnel from the food supply, transport and labour departments, along with civic bodies and the district police was cited as the most salient feature of the strategy, being adopted by the administration in view of the expected glut.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (G) Sukhpreet Singh Sidhu said government personnel involoved in the process of procurement had been cautioned against any laxity at their end. “Though we have already made adequate arrangements to handle the glut in the coming days, allotment of agencies to 94 out of 176 rice mills has eased the situation,” said Sidhu, thanking all departments for their coordinated efforts in the allotment.

Sidhu said that 67,665 MT paddy of the total 87,282 MT in the district mandis had already been procured. The administration has also made payments worth Rs 125.1 crore which is 104 per cent of the normal target of payments within 48 hours of procurement.

SSP Gagan Ajit Singh said circle officers of all three subdivisions had been advised to ensure safety of all stakeholders .