Government Procures 121 Lakh Tonnes of Paddy from Punjab, Achieves 65% of Target

10-Nov-2024 06:26 PM

The Central Government has successfully procured 120.67 lakh tonnes of paddy from Punjab under the 2024-25 Kharif Marketing Season (KMS), which constitutes 65% of the target set for the season. The procurement process began on October 1, 2024, and is expected to continue until November 30. The government’s overall procurement target for this season is 185 lakh tonnes.

As of November 8, 2024, a total of 126.67 lakh tonnes of paddy had arrived at the mandis in Punjab, with 120.67 lakh tonnes being procured by state agencies and the Food Corporation of India (FCI). The paddy is being purchased at the minimum support price (MSP) of ₹2,320 per quintal for Grade A paddy, ensuring fair compensation for farmers.

So far, a total of ₹27,995 crore has been spent on procurement, benefiting approximately 6.58 lakh farmers in Punjab. This move reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting the farming community and ensuring their welfare during the harvest season.

Under this process, 4,839 millers have applied for the shelling of paddy, and 4,743 millers have been allocated work by the Punjab government. The procurement process is running smoothly across 2,927 designated mandis and temporary yards set up throughout the state, ensuring that farmers face no major inconveniences.

The government's priority has been to make the procurement process as convenient as possible for farmers while ensuring timely payments. The successful procurement so far serves as a testament to the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and ensuring farmers receive fair prices for their produce.