India's Centre to Operate Special Trains for Grain Transportation from Punjab Amid Storage Crisis
Centre agrees to special trains for grain lifting from Punjab after Mann raises storage concerns
Mint
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The Indian government has agreed to operate special trains for transporting wheat and rice from Punjab, addressing Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's concerns over storage capacity. With 155 lakh metric tonnes of grain awaiting evacuation, the decision aims to facilitate smoother procurement during the current rabi season.
- 01The Centre will run special trains to lift wheat and rice from Punjab.
- 02Punjab has 155 lakh metric tonnes of grain stock awaiting evacuation.
- 03Current storage capacity is nearly full, with 180.88 lakh metric tonnes already stored.
- 04The state seeks faster evacuation to prevent storage bottlenecks.
- 05Punjab is also requesting the release of ₹9,000 crore for infrastructure development.
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The Indian government has agreed to operate special trains for lifting wheat and rice from Punjab, as announced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann following a meeting with Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi. The decision comes amid concerns over storage capacity, with approximately 155 lakh metric tonnes of grain stock awaiting evacuation. Punjab's current storage levels stand at 180.88 lakh metric tonnes, which is close to its maximum capacity of 183 lakh metric tonnes. Mann emphasized the need for quicker evacuation, especially as fresh wheat arrivals are increasing, potentially leading to a storage crisis. He called for a significant increase in the monthly lifting rate to avoid disruptions during the procurement season, where wheat purchases are expected to reach 130-132 lakh metric tonnes. Additional issues discussed included financial burdens related to procurement financing and the release of ₹9,000 crore from the Rural Development Fund for infrastructure improvements. Mann also requested central intervention for assessing crop damage due to recent hailstorms and raised concerns regarding commission rates for procurement agents.
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The operation of special trains will help alleviate storage issues for farmers in Punjab, facilitating smoother grain procurement and potentially improving the financial situation for stakeholders involved in agriculture.
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