*Paddy Arrival and Procurement in Punjab Cross record 150 Lakh Metric Tonnes, Lifting exceeds 110 LMT: Lal Chand Kataruchak*
Chandigarh, November 6:The Punjab Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak today disclosed that the paddy arrival as well as the procurement in the mandis of Punjab has crossed record 150 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT), marking a major milestone in the ongoing Kharif Marketing Season 2026-27.
Disclosing this, Mr. Kataruchak said that the State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, has ensured smooth, hassle-free and farmer-friendly procurement operations across all mandis of the State. He said that arrival has now crossed 152 LMT and procurement has also crossed 150 LMT, which reflects the confidence of the farmers in the efficient procurement system of the Punjab Government.
The Minister further informed that progressive lifting has exceeded 110 LMT, and lifting percentage with respect to 72 hours of procurement stands at 84.65 percent. He said that special emphasis is being laid on accelerating lifting so that mandis remain clear for fresh arrival and farmers do not face any inconvenience.
Mr. Kataruchak added that payment worth Rs. 33000 Crore has been credited into farmers accounts, which is 100.89 percent. He reiterated that every grain of the farmers will be procured and payment will be made in a time-bound manner.
The Minister said that the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department is working in close coordination with all procurement agencies, Mandi Board, transporters and labour to ensure uninterrupted procurement, timely lifting and prompt payment.
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*Vigilance Bureau arrests Manager & Inspector of Pungrain for demanding bribe of Rs 50,000/-*
Chandigarh, 6 November 2026:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended Manpreet Singh, Manager, Pungrain and Davinder Kaur, Inspector/In-charge, Barnala Mandi for demanding a bribe of Rs 50,000/-.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of Lakhi Colony, Barnala.
He stated that the complainant alleged that the accused Manpreet Singh, Manager of Pungrain and Davinder Kaur, Inspector/In-charge of Barnala Mandi, had demanded illegal gratification of ₹50,000/- for enhancing the paddy allotment to his rice sheller in accordance with its installed capacity. The conversation regarding demanding the bribe money was recorded.
Unwilling to pay the illegal gratification, complainant approached the VB Range Patiala. Acting on his complaint, the VB arrested both the accused for demanding bribe money of Rs 50,000/-.
In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against both the accused at VB police station Patiala and further investigation into this case is under progress.