Punjab: Patiala leads in Paddy procurement, flood affected Tarn Taran ranks second Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], October 22 (ANI): The Punjab Government's determined and proactive measures under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann have ensured India smooth and efficient paddy procurement season across the state. So far, more than 4,32,458 farmers have benefited from the Minimum Support Price (MSP) till October 21, marking India successful phase of the ongoing procurement operations. Under the guidance of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, the procurement, lifting, and payment processes are running at full pace in all grain markets of the state. The Punjab Government has been continuously monitoring the progress to guarantee that farmers face no inconvenience during the procurement season. According to the data released by the department, Patiala district leads the state with 57,546 farmers availing MSP benefits so far. The flood-affected Tarn Taran district ranks second, where 38,578 farmers have received MSP payments, while Ferozepur district stands at the third position with 35,501 farmers benefiting from the government's procurement drive. According to official figures, a total of 58.40 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of paddy have arrived in mandis across Punjab as of the evening of October 21. Out of this, 56.04 lakh MT has already been procured, reflecting an impressive 95 per cent procurement rate. Additionally, the lifting process is also progressing swiftly, with 39.85 lakh MT of paddy lifted so far, representing 71 per cent of the total procured quantity. The Punjab Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every grain of paddy arriving in Mandis is procured on time, farmers receive hassle-free payments at the MSP, and no farmer is left waiting. The administration's coordinated efforts, including the involvement of procurement agencies and mandi boards, are aimed at maintaining transparency, efficiency, and timely delivery during the entire procurement process. Officials added that continuous monitoring by district administrations and the timely release of payments to farmers have been the key focus areas of the state government this year, reflecting Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's vision to safeguard the interests of Punjab's farming community and uphold their trust in the state's procurement system. (ANI)