Punjab paddy procurement may exceed the Centre’s 180 lakh tonne target as grain arrivals continue. The state plans to seek a higher limit of 200 lakh tonnes. For more updates, visit Punjab current affairs.
Quick answer: Punjab paddy procurement is approaching the Centre’s 180 lakh tonne target. Arrivals crossed 177 lakh tonnes on Wednesday, and fresh arrivals are running at 3–4 lakh tonnes daily. Therefore, the state plans to seek a 200 lakh tonne limit. Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak expects arrivals to reach around that level.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Current target | 180 lakh tonnes |
| Proposed limit | 200 lakh tonnes |
| Cumulative arrivals | Over 177 lakh tonnes on Wednesday |
| Daily arrivals | 3–4 lakh tonnes |
| Cash credit limit received | ₹42,787 crore |
Why is Punjab seeking a higher paddy target?
Punjab expects arrivals to exceed the existing target because freshly harvested paddy continues to reach markets. Arrivals have already crossed 177 lakh tonnes. Therefore, the government considers the 180 lakh tonne ceiling inadequate.
The Centre initially fixed the Punjab paddy procurement target at 156 lakh tonnes. After state representations, it raised the target first to 171 lakh tonnes and then to 180 lakh tonnes. Now, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will take up the proposed increase with the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
How will extra procurement be financed?
Punjab will need additional permission and funds if arrivals breach the approved limit. The state food and civil supplies department has received a cash credit limit (CCL) of ₹42,787 crore for procurement. However, the minister said the existing CCL covers only 180 lakh tonnes.
Additional CCL could take a few days, according to the minister. Meanwhile, government agencies procure non-basmati paddy for the public distribution system. The state expects non-basmati production to exceed 220 lakh tonnes this season; that estimate is separate from the procurement target.
Where are paddy arrivals still heavy?
Markets in the Malwa belt, particularly Bathinda, Mansa, Sangrur, Barnala and Muktsar, continue to receive heavy arrivals. However, the state has closed mandis in Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Kapurthala and Jalandhar.
The agriculture department estimates yield at 69.70 quintals per hectare this season, compared with 58.68 quintals in 2024. It excluded 2025 because widespread floods sharply reduced yield. In addition, it shared results from over 2,300 crop-cutting experiments with the food department.
- State formation: The present state of Punjab was formed on 1 November 1966.
- Capital: Chandigarh is the capital of Punjab.
- Region: Malwa is a major geographical region of Punjab.
Source: Hindustan Times Chandigarh, 12 November 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Punjab’s current paddy procurement target?
The current target is 180 lakh tonnes. Punjab plans to seek an increase to 200 lakh tonnes.
How much paddy had arrived in Punjab?
Cumulative arrivals had crossed 177 lakh tonnes on Wednesday. Fresh arrivals were continuing at 3–4 lakh tonnes daily.
How much funding has Punjab received for paddy procurement?
Punjab has received a cash credit limit of ₹42,787 crore. The minister said additional funds would be needed beyond the 180 lakh tonne limit.
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