Real farmers are suffering in mandis, says Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has said that the real farmer of Punjab is trapped in the mandis (grain markets) due to ongoing procurement delays and political interference. Speaking to reporters, Bittu said that while politics is being played over Minimum Support Price (MSP) and procurement issues, it is the ordinary farmer who faces losses and hardships.

He accused the Punjab government of mismanagement, saying farmers are forced to wait for days to sell their paddy as the state administration fails to coordinate effectively with procurement agencies. “Instead of blaming others, the Punjab government should ensure that every grain of the farmer is lifted on time,” Bittu said.

The minister further claimed that middlemen and commission agents (arhtiyas) continue to exploit farmers, despite repeated assurances from the state about reforming the mandi system.

Bittu reiterated that the Centre remains committed to purchasing every grain produced by the farmers, but added that the state must fulfill its logistical responsibilities to ensure smooth procurement.