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Ravneet Bittu accuses Punjab government of anti-farmer stance over wheat procurement
Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu criticized the Punjab government for failing to procure wheat during the crucial procurement season, despite Centre support. He highlighted railways and FCI efforts to clear stocks and create storage space, and noted Punjab’s alleged mismanagement and harassment of farmers. The piece references rail movement data up to April 26 and Bittu’s statements reported on April 27, 2026.
Why It Matters
The dispute underscores tensions between the Centre and Punjab's government over procurement logistics and farmer welfare, with potential political and policy implications for state-federal coordination.
Timeline
2 Events
Bittu accuses Punjab government and highlights Centre support
April 27, 2026
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu criticized the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government for alleged gross mismanagement and anti-farmer behavior, claiming that wheat procurement has not occurred on time despite Centre support. He stated that the Centre approved a cash credit limit of ₹30,973 crore for Punjab and that all logistical and procurement arrangements were completed in advance. He noted the proactive role of the Food Corporation of India and Indian Railways in clearing stock to create storage space and said railways could provide more rakes within hours when informed by the FCI.
Railway and FCI efforts documented before procurement deadline
April 26, 2026
By April 26, 2026, Railways data indicated a total of 275 rakes moved from Punjab during April, comprising 109 rice rakes and 166 wheat rakes. In the same period, Haryana moved 131 rakes.