Even as paddy arrivals pick up across Punjab’s mandis, official data shows that procurement remains sluggish, with just 1.05 million tonnes of paddy procured till October 9 — less than 6 per cent of the 17–18 million tonnes the state expects to purchase this kharif season. The paddy procurement for this season began on September 16 — about two weeks earlier than usual — and is expected to complete by October end or November first week. According to the latest report issued by the Punjab Mandi Board look, a total of 11.23 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy has arrived in mandis so far, out of which 10.53 LMT has been procured. Of this, 10.49 LMT has been purchased by government agencies and only 3,183 tonnes by private traders. On October 9 alone, the state witnessed arrivals of 1.55 LMT, while 1.51 LMT was procured the same day. Lifting from mandis stood at 5.13 LMT cumulatively, including 0.89 LMT lifted on Wednesday, taking the 72-hour lifting rate to 66.7 per cent. Among major procurement centres, Sangrur led with arrivals of 3.60 LMT, followed by Patiala (2.10 LMT), Ludhiana (1.52 LMT), and Ferozepur (1.05 LMT). In contrast, some key districts including Moga (0.21 LMT), Barnala (0.29 LMT), and Mansa (0.41 LMT) recorded comparatively lower arrivals. Procurement by government agencies reflected a similar pattern. PUNGRAIN, MARKFED, and PUNSUP accounted for the largest share of procurement, collectively lifting over 9.99 LMT of paddy, while PSWC and FCI contributed smaller proportions. The state government said that payments worth Rs 2,085.75 crore have already been made to farmers. Officials said that procurement and lifting are expected to accelerate over the next week as harvesting peaks, particularly in Malwa districts, which account for over two-thirds of Punjab’s total paddy area. However, agricultural officials cautioned that delays in lifting from mandis and the reluctance of some shellers to store government paddy could create logistical bottlenecks if arrivals continue to rise sharply in the coming days. Punjab expects to purchase 170–180 LMT of paddy this season, which will be primarily procured for the central pool through government agencies. Heavy rains in parts of Punjab and mild to moderate in the remaining areas from October 4 to 8 led to a delay in the harvesting of the paddy crop and it is expected that this week the maximum harvesting may take place.
