Union Agri ministry clears Rs 210 crore project for Punjab

Moga, Sep 8 (UNI) The Union Agricultural Ministry has given its approval to the Rs 210 crore project for strengthening the agriculture marketing infrastructure in Punjab.

The Punjab Mandi Board which had sent the project has received the first installment of 26.34 crore from the Centre for this project. The Mandi Board had originally sent a Rs 257.60 crore project but the Union Agricultural Ministry approved a sum of Rs 210 crore.

Mandi Board Chairman Ajmer Singh Lakhowal while talking to mediapersons here today stated that the entire project money would be spent on modernisation and strengthening of the agriculture marketing infrastructure in 59 selected grain markets of the state. The work is expected to commence soon, he added.

The project aims to provide modern facilities in the grain markets besides better grading and standardisation of marketing produce systems. Mr Lakhowal said. In all the selected grain markets modern auction platforms would be constructed and the inner road network at the grain markets would be strengthened.

The project aims to provide covered grain sheds, public health facilities, electronic cleaning of foodgrains system and electronic display boards for the benefit of the farming community.

Mr Lakhowal said that the project would also involve setting up an ultra modern fruit and vegetable market at Patiala and Phillaur.

He said that besides the grain markets, auction platforms would also be constructed at 179 other places in the state, where panchayats provide land for this purpose to the Mandi Board.

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