Punjab: Industrial Rebirth & The 132 LMT Wheat Fortress

CHANDIGARH: Punjab is witnessing a historic shift in its industrial and agricultural landscape today. In a landmark policy reform, the Punjab cabinet, led by CM Bhagwant Mann, has approved a streamlined process for the conversion of industrial plots from leasehold to freehold status. To catalyze this transition, the state has announced a 100% stamp duty exemption for all conversions completed by April 30, 2026. This move, which fixes the conversion fee at a modest 5%, is expected to unlock billions in “trapped” capital, allowing industrialists to finally own their land and use it as collateral for expansion. By replacing notarized affidavits with self-declarations, Punjab is making a serious bid to rival neighboring states in the “Ease of Doing Business” rankings.

On the agricultural front, the state has turned into a “fortress” as the wheat procurement season officially begins today. With a massive target of 132 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT), the government has “locked its borders” with heavy police deployment at all entry points from Haryana and Rajasthan. The objective is to prevent the illegal smuggling of cheaper, out-of-state grain into Punjab’s mandis, ensuring that the ₹2,585 per quintal MSP and the ₹30,973 crore cash credit benefit only local farmers. Over 1,800 permanent procurement centers have been activated, and for the first time, a dedicated control room is monitoring petroleum and gunny bag supplies in real-time. This logistical feat is the backbone of Punjab’s economy, and the government is leaving nothing to chance as it coordinates with the Centre to clear old stocks and make room for the new harvest.