Acceding to Punjab’s request, the Union Power and Coal Ministers have assured the state of timely and regular coal supplies for the forthcoming paddy sowing season.

The assurance was made during the review meeting co-chaired by the Union Minister of Power and Non-Renewable Energy Raj Kumar Singh and Union Minister of Coal Pralhad Joshi with the states, including Punjab, earlier in the day through video-conferencing.

Underlining Punjab’s requirement for regular coal supplies during the meeting to ensure smooth paddy sowing, Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO had requested the Centre for ensuring timely and efficient dispatches in view of the coming season. 

The Minister, while raising state's concerns on account of prevailing coal situation across the country, urged the Centre to also devise alternate mechanisms to tackle electricity shortage on a long-term basis.

“Our farmers will be sowing paddy beginning June 14, we are fully prepared to ensure a foolproof and seamless sowing experience to them for which we have also requested the Union Government to forward all timely assistance in the form of sufficient coal supplies,” said the Minister after the meeting.

He said that the state need 20 rakes daily of coal to meet peak sowing demand.

Expressing his gratitude to the Union Ministers for their concerted efforts, Punjab Power Minister said that he was confident that a viable solution to the issue would be ensured by the Centre to address all our demands.

Punjab, being the foremost producer, is credited for contributing a major chunk of Central Pool foodgrain reserves both in the form of wheat and rice. During the previous Kharif Season, Punjab produced over 186 LMTs of paddy while adding close to 100 LMTs of wheat this Rabi Season.