Punjab seeks 12 LMT monthly foodgrain lift to ease storage pressure

Punjab has formally demanded a monthly lift of 12 LMT of foodgrain from the central government, aiming to relieve the strain on its overloaded storage facilities. The request comes as the state prepares for the upcoming paddy procurement season, during which a total target of 180 LMT of paddy is expected to be moved into the central pool.

The storage crunch has become a recurring concern for Punjab, with warehouses operating near capacity and the risk of spoilage rising as the monsoon season approaches. By securing a higher, regular lifting quota, the state hopes to move surplus grain out of its own depots and into the central pool more efficiently, thereby reducing the likelihood of overflow and maintaining grain quality.

A monthly lift of 12 LMT would translate into a substantial flow of grain each month, supporting the central pool’s goal of handling 180 LMT over the course of the season. This regular cadence is intended to smooth out the logistical peaks that typically accompany the peak procurement months, ensuring that the central pool can accommodate the volume without compromising storage conditions.

Historically, Punjab has been one of the leading contributors to the central pool, often delivering large quantities of paddy each year. However, the state’s storage infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with the scale of production, prompting repeated appeals for additional lifting capacity. The current demand reflects both the volume of grain already in state warehouses and the need to expedite its transfer to central reserves before the next harvest cycle begins.

The upcoming procurement season is expected to be particularly busy, given the projected increase in paddy sowing across the region. With the central pool aiming to procure 180 LMT, the efficiency of the lifting mechanism will be crucial for both Punjab and the central authorities. A prompt and consistent monthly lift could help avoid bottlenecks that have previously led to delays in grain movement and potential quality degradation.

While the specifics of the implementation are yet to be detailed, the demand underscores the broader challenge of managing foodgrain logistics in a year marked by heightened agricultural activity. Punjab’s request highlights the need for coordinated action between state and central authorities to ensure that storage capacity keeps up with production, safeguarding the supply chain for the upcoming season.

Source: Hindustan Times