Punjab Rice Millers End Strike Following Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's Assurance on Storage Issues

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has promised to address the concerns of state rice millers with the central government. This assurance led to the millers ending their strike, as per a government statement. The rice mills had been protesting for more storage space for the paddy crop among other demands.

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During discussions with the rice millers association, Mann highlighted that the state government had already raised the issue of space shortage with the Government of India. Consequently, the Centre agreed to release 40 lakh metric tonnes of space by December 2024 and 90 lakh metric tonnes by March 2025.

Storage and Movement Plans

The Chief Minister mentioned that 48 lakh metric tonnes of wheat are currently stored in both owned and rented godowns of the state government. This wheat will be moved by March 2025, freeing up space for paddy storage. The feasibility of using this free storage for paddy will be explored.

The Centre has provided a written commitment regarding the transportation of wheat and paddy from Punjab. The Food Corporation of India has also submitted a plan for moving 15 lakh metric tonnes of these grains within the state.

Bank Guarantees and Custom Milled Rice

Mann addressed another issue concerning millers with over 5,000 metric tonnes of paddy storage capacity. Previously, they were required to provide a bank guarantee equivalent to 5% of the acquisition cost. Now, instead of bank guarantees, a lien based on land records will be taken in favour of the department.

The Chief Minister also agreed to return 10% of custom milled rice (CMR) securities that have been pending for a long time. Additionally, millers will now pay CMR at Rs 10 per metric tonne.

Harvesting and Moisture Content

Mann instructed deputy commissioners to ensure that paddy harvesting does not occur between 6 pm and 10 am to control moisture content. He also directed the Mandi Board to purchase moisture meters and ensure that paddy is purchased with a moisture content of 17%.

The state government plans to discuss several issues with the Union government. These include restoring driage from 0.50% to 1% of the minimum support price, reimbursing transportation charges for rice delivered outside milling centres, and eliminating backward movement charges.