North News
Chandigarh, October 4
Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Friday said that that by December 31, 2024, nearly 40 LMT of rice would be moved out of the state’s godowns, creating more space. Additionally, 90 LMT of storage will be created by March 2025, with new godowns being built under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. The Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is intensifying efforts to ensure adequate storage space for the ongoing paddy procurement season. Food Corporation of India (FCI) plans to move 15 Lakh Metric Tonne (LMT) of rice from Punjab by the end of October, utilising 20 trains, 3 containers, and small trucks, he said.
The minister also announced that the procurement of Basmati rice has begun and urged farmers not to block rail tracks, as it could disrupt storage efforts for the new produce.
