Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Addresses Foodgrain Storage Challenges to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi

Punjab's Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, has raised concerns about the shortage of storage space for food grains in the state. He has reached out to Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, urging action to clear existing stocks of paddy and wheat. This move aims to create adequate storage capacity for future harvests.

Representative image

In his letter, Mann highlighted the ongoing issue of limited delivery space with the Food Corporation of India (FCI). Since May, this shortage has hindered rice delivery from the 2023-24 Kharif Marketing Season by state rice millers to FCI's central pool. This situation has also caused anxiety among millers regarding storage space for the upcoming 2024-25 Kharif Season.

Storage Space Concerns

Mann pointed out that due to the persistent space deficit, the state government had to extend the milling period twice. Initially extended until July 31, it was further prolonged to August 31. With rice from KMS 2023-24 still pending due to space issues, the central government has now extended the delivery deadline to September 30, 2024.

The Chief Minister stressed that while efforts are being made to deliver all pending rice to FCI promptly, the space shortage issue is critical. The upcoming KMS 2024-25 is expected to see around 185-190 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy procured, resulting in 120-125 LMT of rice for the central pool.

Immediate Action Required

Mann mentioned that as of now, Punjab has a total covered storage capacity of 171 LMT. Currently, about 121 LMT of rice and 50 LMT of wheat are stored in these godowns, leaving no room for new rice crops. He emphasised that immediate attention is needed to address this storage crisis.

To tackle this issue, Mann suggested a minimum monthly movement or liquidation of 20 LMT of food grains, particularly rice, from Punjab until March 2025. This would help create sufficient space for storing fresh rice from KMS 2024-25.

Mann requested Joshi's personal intervention in directing FCI to arrange additional covered storage space. He proposed mobilising at least 25 rakes of wheat and rice daily from Punjab's covered godowns between September 24 and March 25. This would ensure seamless delivery and procurement during KMS 2024-25.