Punjab’s wheat procurement for the current rabi season has hit a record high, surpassing 132 lakh tonnes, marking a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural landscape. According to the state food and supplies department, an additional 6,000 tonnes of wheat arrived at the state’s grain markets on Sunday, bringing the total count to 132.25 lakh tonnes. This remarkable achievement has been attributed to favorable climate conditions and the use of improved varieties by farmers.
Sangrur leads among districts with 9.94 lakh tonnes of wheat arrivals, followed by Patiala (9.7 lakh tonnes), Muktsar (9.17 lakh tonnes), Bathinda (9.1 lakh tonnes), and Ferozepur (8.64 lakh tonnes). Private traders have procured 7.4 lakh tonnes, while state agencies have secured the remaining 124.6 lakh tonnes for the central pool.
The area under wheat cultivation has remained steady, with 35.08 lakh hectares sown this season, compared to 34.90 lakh hectares last year. Experts emphasize the importance of improved varieties to enhance productivity, as increasing the area under cultivation poses challenges. Additionally, farmers are exploring alternatives like spring maize for its lucrative returns.
Director of food and civil supplies, Puneet Goyal, noted that Punjab has contributed nearly 47.5% of the total wheat to the central pool, with a significant increase in yield reported across districts. Top officials estimate the total wheat production in the state to be between 172-175 lakh tonnes, reflecting the agricultural prowess of Punjab in the rabi season.
