DW BUREAU / CHANDIGARH Punjab Food & Civil Supplies Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu on Sunday said that despite several challenges arising out of lockdown/curfew amid COVID-19 restrictions, the State has successfully procured more than 90 lakh metric tonne of wheat in 19 days, out of a total expected 135 LMT. Congratulating the state's farmers, Arthiyas, labour and other stakeholders for smooth conduct of ongoing procurement operations across the state, Mr. Ashu informed that Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh was strictly maintaining social distancing in all more than 4000 purchase centres for the health safety and well-being of those involved in this gigantic task. He said that it was a matter of great satisfaction that in just 19 days the state has successfully procured over 90 LMT of wheat despite several obstacles including shortage of labour and closure of jute mills. Reiterating the resolve of the state Government to ensure purchase of every single grain of state farmers produce in a hassle-free manner, the Minister also pointed out that in these difficult times more than 4000 purchase centres had been established as compared to over 1800 in 2019 with same strength of employees for the facilitation of farmers. Besides, the State Government has also made elaborate arrangements including issuance of tokens to farmers, requisite sanitizers, masks, foot operated water tanks etc. Nevertheless, the scarcity of labour amid lockdown and curfew, Punjab Government has loaded a record 25.77 LMT of wheat and rice through 1031 special trains so far in order to ensure food security of the nation besides assisting the other states said the Minister adding that it was 44% of the total foodgrains supplied, nation-wide. On the lifting front, Mr. Ashu mentioned that the State was also lifting more than 5 LMT daily in order to ensure that no farmer had to wait due to space crunch in mandis. The Minister said that in these times of economic crisis, the State Government has infused its agrarian economy with Rs. 10000 Crore so far. He categorically said that there was no derth of Bardana despite the closure of jute mills as the State had already made alternate arrangements of PP bags and once used bales in this regard. Extending gratitude to the Food Corporation of India for its untiring efforts to ensure food security in the nation, Mr. Ashu also reiterated Punjab would ensure that no one should be deprived of food amid the battle against COVID-19. He said that Punjab was playing key role in feeding the nation whether it be distribution of wheat and dal under PMGKY or distribution of dry ration packets to migrant labour and other persons in need. (editor@dailyworld.in)