Aam Aadmi Party’s state chief spokesperson, MLA and former Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said that the Punjab government is fully committed to procuring every grain of wheat during the ongoing rabi procurement season at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹2,585 per quintal.
He stated that arrangements have been made to procure nearly 132 lakh metric tonnes of wheat across approximately 1,900 grain markets (mandis) in the state. Clear instructions have been issued to Deputy Commissioners, District Food and Supply Controllers, government procurement agencies, and officials of the Mandi Board and market committees to ensure timely and hassle-free procurement.
Dhaliwal emphasized that strict arrangements must be ensured for the availability of gunny bags, smooth harvesting operations, and payment to farmers within 24 hours of procurement.
Notably, commission agents across Punjab have been on an indefinite strike since April 1, demanding a 2.5 percent commission. Despite the ongoing protest, the state government has assured farmers that wheat procurement will continue without disruption.
Criticizing the Central Government, Dhaliwal alleged that funds worth ₹9,000 crore related to rural development, GST dues, and the National Health Mission are being withheld from Punjab. He termed the move discriminatory and claimed that attempts are being made to disrupt wheat procurement during the election year to politically benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
He further stated that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had raised the issue of commission agents’ demands during a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and later discussed it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, according to Dhaliwal, the Centre has yet to take any concrete action on the matter.
The AAP leader reiterated that the Punjab government remains committed to protecting farmers’ interests and ensuring smooth procurement operations across the state.
