📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Kamran sardar
Agriculture
Punjab rice millers demand relaxed procurement norms, cite higher stock levels
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 07 Sep 2026, 08:38 AM
👁 4
Rice millers in Punjab have asked the government to ease procurement norms, arguing that their existing stock exceeds the estimates used in the new policy.
Punjab's rice processing sector has formally requested a relaxation of the current procurement guidelines, stating that the existing stock of paddy and milled rice is considerably higher than the figures projected in the latest policy framework.
The millers contend that the stringent norms hinder their ability to manage surplus effectively and could lead to unnecessary wastage or financial strain.
Government officials have acknowledged the concerns and indicated that they will review the stock data submitted by the millers before finalising any adjustments to the procurement regime.
Stakeholders expect that a balanced approach will protect farmer incomes while ensuring market stability.
The issue underscores ongoing challenges in aligning agricultural policies with on‑ground realities in key grain‑producing states.
The millers contend that the stringent norms hinder their ability to manage surplus effectively and could lead to unnecessary wastage or financial strain.
Government officials have acknowledged the concerns and indicated that they will review the stock data submitted by the millers before finalising any adjustments to the procurement regime.
Stakeholders expect that a balanced approach will protect farmer incomes while ensuring market stability.
The issue underscores ongoing challenges in aligning agricultural policies with on‑ground realities in key grain‑producing states.