Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab begins advance preparation for Rabi Marketing Season 2026-27, Minister reviews wheat procurement readiness
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 28, 2025: Punjab Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review preparations for the upcoming Wheat Procurement Season for Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2026–27.
The meeting, held at Anaj Bhawan, focused primarily on ensuring the availability of an adequate number of wooden crates required for smooth procurement and storage operations.
Officials noted that PUNGRAIN has already floated tenders for 12 lakh wooden crates for the upcoming season, out of which the Punjab State Forest Development Corporation has currently committed to providing 1 lakh crates.
As the minister in charge of both the Food Supply and Forest departments, Kataruchak held an in-depth discussion with officers from both sides. He urged the Managing Director of the Punjab State Forest Development Corporation to increase the supply beyond the committed 1 lakh crates to ensure seamless procurement and storage of wheat during RMS 2026–27.
The minister emphasised that advance planning and coordination between departments are critical to prevent logistical challenges during the peak procurement period.
Senior officials present at the meeting included Principal Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rahul Tiwari; Secretary Forests & Wildlife Preservation Priyank Bharti; Director Food Civil Supplies Varinder Kumar Sharma; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dharminder Sharma; MD, Punjab State Forest Development Corporation Praveen Kumar; and Additional Director Anjuman Bhaskar.