Centre Accepts CM Mann’s Demand: Special Trains to Clear 155 Lakh Tonnes of Rice & Wheat in Punjab
New Delhi/Chandigarh, 10 April
In a major boost for farmers and mandis in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann secured key concessions from the Centre during his meeting with Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi on Friday.
The Centre has agreed to run special trains to lift 155 lakh metric tonnes of rice and wheat currently lying in FCI godowns in Punjab. This immediate step is expected to ease the severe storage crisis in the state ahead of the ongoing Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2026-27.
CM Mann described the decision as a significant relief that will help resolve storage issues for farmers during the peak procurement period.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister raised several long-pending issues concerning Punjab’s farmers, arhtiyas (commission agents), and mandis. The Union Minister responded positively and assured concrete follow-up action.
watch……ਆਪ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦੇ 4 ਸਾਲ: ਗਾਰੰਟੀਆਂ ਪੂਰੀਆਂ, ਨਸ਼ੇ ਮੁਕਤ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨੇੜੇ
Key Outcomes of the Meeting:
- Special Trains for Foodgrain Movement: The Centre accepted CM Mann’s demand to expedite the lifting of 155 lakh metric tonnes of foodgrains through special trains to create urgently needed storage space.
- Cash Credit Interest Rate: CM Mann pointed out that Punjab is being charged 0.55% higher interest rate (RBI-linked) on Cash Credit compared to the Centre. He demanded that the rate be made uniform for the state.
- Release of ₹9,000 Crore RDF Funds: A Secretary-level meeting will soon be held to work out a mechanism for releasing the pending ₹9,000 crore under the Rural Development Fund (RDF). These funds are meant for mandi roads, modernisation, and infrastructure.
- Hailstorm Damage: The Chief Minister demanded that the Centre immediately send a team to assess crop losses caused by recent hailstorms in Punjab and provide suitable compensation to affected farmers.
- Arhtiyas’ Commission: CM Mann expressed hope for an increase in arhtiyas’ commission. The Centre has proposed a marginal hike of ₹4.75 per quintal, but the state is pressing for the commission to be fixed at 2.5% of MSP as per the Punjab Agricultural Produce Markets Act.
- EPF Issue of Mandi Labour: The CM urged the immediate release of withheld 30% mandi labour charges (around ₹50 crore) lying with FCI due to EPF disputes. He suggested following the same affidavit-based system that state agencies are already using.
Highlighting the storage crunch, CM Mann stated that Punjab’s covered storage capacity is nearly full (only 0.50 LMT space left for rice and 1.75 LMT for wheat), while massive procurement of 130–132 lakh metric tonnes of wheat is underway since April 1.
He stressed that slow movement of foodgrains (only 5 lakh metric tonnes per month) has worsened the situation and demanded that at least 12 lakh metric tonnes each of wheat and rice be moved every month, or additional distribution be made under PMGKAY, similar to the COVID period.
CM Mann posted on X after the meeting: “I held a detailed meeting with Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi ji today. We discussed several important issues including lifting of foodgrains, pending RDF funds, arhtiyas’ demands, and compensation for hailstorm-affected crops. The Minister responded very positively. We remain committed to protecting the interests of Punjab’s farmers.”
The Chief Minister reiterated that timely intervention by the Centre is crucial to ensure smooth procurement, safeguard farmers’ interests, and prevent further financial burden on the state exchequer.
