Ahead of the paddy procurement season, the Punjab government initiated a five-day campaign to restore grain markets (mandis) damaged by the recent floods, making sure that the farmers do not face any problems. The campaign begins on Sunday. The instructions have been given to the officials to complete the work by September 19, as the paddy procurement season starts on September 16.
It will be focused on flood-affected districts where mandis were left waterlogged and choked with silt. Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the drive is aimed at providing a seamless selling experience to farmers.
"The Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government is fully committed to safeguarding the interests of farmers. This intensive campaign is part of our effort to make sure that no farmer faces inconvenience in bringing their crop to the mandis," Khudian said.
He then stressed that officials of the Punjab Mandi Board and all District Mandi Officers (DMOs) have been instructed to supervise the clean-up and operational readiness of mandis personally.
"Our state machinery is prepared to meet the challenges caused by the floods. We are taking every possible step to protect the livelihood of our farmers," the minister added.
According to Khudian, preliminary arrangements, including infrastructure repairs, removal of stagnant water, and clearance of silt deposits, have already been completed in many markets. The state government has also assured farmers of timely procurement and immediate payment for their produce.
The Punjab government assured the farmers that despite the setbacks caused by floods, all mandis across the state will be ready for smooth operations. Meanwhile, the state’s AAP government on Saturday commenced the special 'girdawari' across the state to evaluate losses caused by the recent floods.
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