Chandigarh: Punjab has recorded total paddy arrivals of 185 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) so far during the ongoing Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2026-27, while govt agencies and private traders have procured over 181 LMT. The procurement figure has exceeded the state’s original target of 180 LMT by 1.3 LMT. With the bumper harvest resulting in higher-than-anticipated arrivals, the state govt has decided to approach the Centre for an additional Cash Credit Limit (CCL) to facilitate the procurement of surplus paddy.Sangrur has recorded the highest procurement at 14.5 LMT, followed by Patiala at over 14 LMT and Bathinda at 12.8 LMT. Pathankot has recorded the lowest procurement at around 1.1 LMT. Ropar follows with 1.9 LMT, while Mohali has recorded 2.3 LMT.Of the total 181.3 LMT of paddy procured so far, 146.6 LMT has been lifted, accounting for about 80.9% of the procurement. Around 34.62 LMT of procured paddy is still awaiting lifting.The state had originally received a CCL of Rs 42,786.68 crore for the procurement of 180 LMT of paddy. However, with procurement already crossing the approved target and arrivals expected to increase further, the govt will seek additional financial support to ensure uninterrupted procurement of farmers’ produce.Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak recently said feedback from agriculture officials indicated that paddy arrivals could touch the 200-LMT mark this season. He said the state would take up the matter with the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution to enhance the procurement quota and arrange additional CCL.The minister pointed out that the existing CCL had been sanctioned for procurement of only 180 LMT and that additional permission and funds would be required if purchases exceeded the approved limit.Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, meanwhile, said on Friday that the state had witnessed a bumper paddy crop this season, with procurement expected to reach 200 LMT. He added that the state govt would procure the entire produce. He also attributed improved productivity partly to adequate canal water availability, which had helped farmers reduce their dependence on groundwater.Punjab recorded total paddy arrivals of 185.23 LMT by Nov 14, including 2.02 LMT on the day. Procurement for the day stood at 1.89 LMT, including 1.85 LMT by govt agencies and about 0.04 LMT by private traders.With procurement already surpassing the original 180-LMT target, the state govt’s immediate challenge is to secure additional central financial support, accelerate the lifting of procured stocks and ensure timely payments to farmers as the bumper harvest continues to arrive in mandis.BOX: 60% wheat sown so farNeel KamalMore than 60% of the wheat crop has been sown in Punjab so far, and sowing is expected to continue until Nov 25 or even the end of the month.Hari Ram, principal agronomist and head of the Department of Agronomy at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), said: “The ideal time for wheat sowing is till Nov 20, but it may continue up to Nov 25 if temperatures remain moderate and do not decline sharply from the current level of around 27°C. Wheat sown after Nov 20-25 may face issues during the tillering stage in December, when temperatures should ideally be around 10°C. Otherwise, yields may decline by up to 1.5 quintals per acre.”He added that delayed sowing beyond the optimal window could affect crop establishment and productivity.
