The Punjab government and commission agents (Arhtiyas) have reached on an agreement, allowing paddy procurement to start soon in the state. In a meeeting with commission agents’ association on Monday Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has given an assurances to meet their demand and to discuss issues with the central goverment related to center. All the issues of the commission agents were discussed in the meeting, including the issue of 2.5 percent commission, which they believe is too low due to inflation. The Chief Minister assured them that their demands would be addressed soon and would be brought to the notice of central government.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that he will raise the commission agents' demands with the central government soon. He mentioned that the agents assured him that paddy procurement would proceed without any issues. If they encounter any problems, the Punjab government will help resolve them.
Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian said that the agents ended their strike after the Chief Minister's assurance. He said that If needed, the Punjab government will cover the commission costs. All issues related to paddy procurement have been resolved, and the agents are ready to transport the crop.
In a meeting with rice millers, the Chief Minister said that the state government talked to the central government about not having enough storage space. The central government agreed to free up 40 lakh tonnes of space in the state by December 2024 and 90 lakh tonnes by March 2025. This will make sure there is enough space to store grains in the state.