Official takes stock of paddy lifting

Patiala, October 8

The Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs is expecting more than 170-lakh metric tonnes of paddy to reach the grain markets this season. Of this, 1.60-lakh metric tonnes of paddy has arrived at various grain markets.

Anindita Mitra, Director of the Department, today conducted a survey for lifting of the crop at the Rajpura grain market. She said the agencies have been directed to speed up the lifting process.

Mitra said there were 4,093 registered rice mills in the state and 1,645 have applied for allotment of space in grain markets, of which 1,335 were granted the allotment.

While meeting farmers, rice millers and commission agents, she said: “The state government has directed senior IAS officials to keep a check on the crop lifting process across the state. The government is keen on making sure that farmers and millers do not face any issues in the lifting process. Today, we shifted some trucks to other places from Rajpura.” She said the state government will ensure farmers did not face any problem regarding payment for their produce. — TNS