40 Lakh Tonnes of Rice Shifted from Punjab Godowns for Wheat Storage

11-Apr-2025 11:06 AM

Chandigarh: In preparation for the large-scale procurement of the new wheat crop, Punjab has withdrawn around 40 lakh tonnes of rice from its godowns and transported it to other states to create space for wheat storage.

Despite this, officials say adequate storage space is still lacking for the 124 lakh tonnes of wheat expected to arrive at procurement centres during the current Rabi marketing season.

Wheat harvesting and arrivals in mandis have already begun and are likely to peak around Baisakhi, when supply traditionally surges.

Nearly 70 lakh tonnes of wheat may have to be stored under covered and plinth (CAP) storage, due to a shortage of warehousing.

Additionally, agencies are facing a shortage of wooden crates, crucial for grain handling and storage.

Punjab, which annually contributes over 240 lakh tonnes of wheat and rice to the central pool, currently has 140 lakh tonnes of storage capacity under FCI, and 35 lakh tonnes under state agencies.

Meanwhile, the construction of new godowns with 31 lakh tonnes of capacity is underway but will only be completed by the end of the year—too late for this wheat season.