The Punjab Cabinet has approved three key foodgrain policies for the upcoming Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2026-27, with the government focusing on timely procurement, transportation and lifting of paddy from mandis across the state.

The decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The approved policies include the Punjab Custom Milling Policy for Kharif 2026-27, the Punjab Foodgrains Transportation Policy 2027 and the Punjab Foodgrains Labour & Cartage Policy 2027.

The government said the move is aimed at ensuring a smooth and hassle-free procurement process during the paddy season and reiterated its commitment to lifting farmers’ produce without disruption.

The approval comes ahead of the paddy procurement period, when Punjab’s agriculture sector sees large-scale activity involving farmers, rice mills, transport operators and labourers. Efficient coordination among these groups is considered crucial for avoiding delays in grain movement and storage management.

Under the custom milling policy, the state government has focused on streamlining the process of converting procured paddy into rice. The transportation and labour policies are aimed at managing the movement of foodgrains and ensuring availability of manpower during procurement operations.

Apart from foodgrain policies, the Cabinet also approved other administrative decisions, including amendments related to Punjab Public Service Commission regulations and measures concerning healthcare posts.

Why It Matters

Punjab is one of India’s major contributors to the national foodgrain procurement system, making the efficiency of its paddy procurement operations important for farmers as well as the public distribution system.The new policies are expected to provide a framework for procurement agencies, millers, transporters and labour contractors during the upcoming Kharif season.

What Happens Next

Government agencies will now move towards implementing the approved policies before the start of major procurement activities. Further operational guidelines are expected from concerned departments.