A first, Punjab fixes paddy procurement target for each mandi; farmers question move

Punjab has set mandi-specific procurement targets for paddy for the first time, calculating each centre's quota based on its average purchases over the past three years. This decision has raised concerns among farmers and commission agents, who worry that this year's anticipated high harvest could vastly surpass the set targets.

The state's Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department mandated district authorities to determine targets for each mandi and share them with relevant agencies. Notably, Sangrur Mandi's target stands at 115,947 tonnes, while Kheri Mandi is assigned 2,774 tonnes. Officials highlighted that such target-setting has never been executed in prior procurement seasons.

Farmers and commission agents argue that actual arrivals this year might not align closely with the three-year average used for the targets. Punjab boasts an unprecedented paddy area of approximately 3.686 million hectares, with non-Basmati paddy covering over 64.22 lakh acres. A senior Civil Supplies official noted that if the average yield of around 30 quintals per acre is realized, non-Basmati paddy production could reach around 192 LMT, significantly exceeding the Centre's 180-LMT procurement target.

Farmers anticipate higher yields from advanced varieties due to favorable weather conditions. While the monsoon was below average, irrigation networks supplied the necessary water. Cheema, Punjab Arhtiya Association president, questioned the logic behind mandi-specific procurement limits for MSP-supported paddy, citing the potential for stress on purchase centers.

Data indicates that Punjab has consistently recorded high yields of non-Basmati paddy, averaging 27.8 quintals per acre between 2020-21 and 2025-26.