Punjab's decision to set paddy procurement targets for individual mandis has raised concerns among farmers and commission agents during the 2026 harvest.
WHAT CHANGED?
According to reporting by The Indian Express, the state set mandi-wise targets based on average procurement at each purchase centre over the previous three years.
The Centre's overall procurement target for Punjab this season was reported as 180 lakh tonnes.
WHY FARMERS ARE CONCERNED
The state has a substantial area under paddy, and favourable conditions could produce arrivals above the overall target.
Farmers and commission agents worry that a mandi may reach its assigned target while cultivators still have eligible produce to sell.
MSP AND PROCUREMENT
The minimum support price is important to farm incomes, but actual procurement depends on eligibility, quality standards and operational arrangements.
Farmers want assurance that genuine eligible arrivals will not be turned away because of administrative targets.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Authorities' handling of arrivals, storage, payments and any revision of local targets will determine the practical impact. The concerns reported here do not establish that every mandi has stopped purchasing grain.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/punjab-paddy-procurement-target-mandi-farmers-question-move-10913704/ . Report prepared 5 November 2026.