Punjab’s acute shortage of covered storage space for rice has reached a critical juncture. Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Wednesday urgently called for enhanced intervention by the Central Government to address this pressing issue. With only three to four lakh metric tonnes of rice having moved from the State over the past five months, the situation is dire as the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024 approaches.

In a crucial meeting on Wednesday, Minister Kataruchak discussed the situation with the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi, and highlighted the severe shortage of space for receiving rice, exacerbated by the stagnant movement of rice from Punjab.

The onset of the Kharif season on October 1 will bring approximately 185-190 LMT of paddy, translating to an expected yield of 125-128 LMT of rice, which will only intensify the storage crunch.

Kataruchak emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent disruption during the procurement season. He requested the Union Minister to ensure that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) increases the movement of rice and wheat, proposing a minimum monthly transfer of 20 lakh metric tonnes via at least 25 rakes daily from covered godowns starting September 2024 through March 2025. This measure is crucial for accommodating the incoming rice and ensuring smooth procurement operations, he insisted.

Union Minister Joshi assured that the issue would be prioritized and resolved swiftly.