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On Friday, a discussion is expected between Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi, as Punjab pushes for relief similar to that already granted to Rajasthan.

Chandigarh: Unseasonal “April Cool” rains have dealt a significant blow to Punjab’s wheat crop, with damage reported across nearly 1.3 lakh acres and fears mounting over quality deterioration on lakhs of additional acres. The state government is now set to raise the issue of relaxation in procurement norms with the Centre. On Friday, a discussion is expected between Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi, as Punjab pushes for relief similar to that already granted to Rajasthan.

Quality Concerns Deepen in Mandis

Officials and stakeholders in the procurement chain say the wheat arriving in mandis is showing higher moisture content—up to 15% in some areas, against the prescribed 12% —along with loss of grain lustre and increased shrivelling.

Farmers fear not just quality loss but also reduced yields. “We are expecting a drop of 4–5 quintals per acre due to the rains and strong winds flattening the crop,” said a farmer from Mansa.

A commission agent in Ludhiana added, “Even the grain that is reaching mandis is not meeting the standard specifications. Without relaxation, farmers will suffer heavy financial losses.”

Why Punjab Hasn’t Got Relief Yet

While the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has already relaxed procurement norms for Rajasthan, Punjab is still awaiting similar relief.

Officials explained that wheat harvesting begins earlier in Rajasthan, allowing central inspection teams to assess damage sooner. In Punjab, however, continuous western disturbances and rainfall till April 8 delayed harvesting, pushing back field assessments.

“We have requested the Centre to send teams for on-ground evaluation. Once the report is submitted, relaxation in specifications can be considered,” a senior Food and Supply Department official said.

What Punjab is Demanding

The state is likely to seek:

• Up to 50% relaxation in lustre loss norms
• Increase in permissible shrivelled/broken grains from 6% to around 15%

Such relaxations are crucial to ensure that farmers do not face rejection of produce or distress sales.

Farmers Across Region Voice Concern

Farmers across Punjab and neighbouring Haryana remain anxious as unpredictable weather continues to impact standing crops.

Balbir Singh from Patiala said, “This rain came at the worst possible time. The crop was ready, and now both quality and yield are hit.” In Haryana’s Karnal, farmer Ramesh Kumar echoed similar concerns: “We already suffered losses in paddy and maize last season. Now wheat is also under stress. If procurement norms are not relaxed, it will be a double blow.”

Relief Measures Underway

The Punjab government has already initiated special girdawari (crop damage assessment) and deployed teams across affected districts. However, officials stress that central relaxation in procurement standards remains critical to protect farmers’ incomes.

With procurement season underway and weather uncertainties persisting, all eyes are now on the Centre’s decision, which could determine the extent of financial relief for lakhs of farmers in the region.