Lucknow, 22 Oct (HS): Uttar Pradesh Food, Logistics, and

Civil Supplies Minister Manoj Kumar Pandey reviewed the paddy procurement

system for the 2026-27 Kharif marketing year at his office in Bapu Bhavan on

Thursday. The minister also held a meeting with representatives of recognized

rice millers' associations and senior department officials. The minister stated

that the state government is committed to protecting farmers' interests,

ensuring fair prices for their produce, and making the paddy procurement system

more effective.

The Minister stated that eligible farmers should not face

inconvenience in selling their produce due to technical or procedural

difficulties. He directed officials to ensure transparency in arrangements

related to farmer registration, paddy weighing, lifting, transportation, and

payment. Complaints of any irregularities or unnecessary interference at paddy

procurement centers should be taken seriously and action should be taken as per

the rules.

The Minister stated that, along with protecting the

interests of farmers, solving the real and practical problems of rice millers

is also a priority for the government. He urged departmental officials to

coordinate with rice millers' associations, examine the suggestions and demands

presented, and submit proposals as per the rules on matters requiring

government decisions.

At the meeting, Rice Millers' Associations prominently

raised the demand for reinstatement and increase of incentives that were

abolished in the Kharif marketing year 2026-27. Various associations presented

proposals to increase the incentive amount from Rs. 35 per quintal to Rs.50 and

Rs.100 per quintal.

Principal Secretary and Commissioner, Food and Logistics

Department, Anil Kumar; Special Secretary Anita Verma Singh; Additional

Commissioner (Food and Logistics) Kamta Prasad; Additional Commissioner

Satyadev and RFC Headquarters Ashok Kumar Pal along with other senior officers

of the department and representatives of various rice millers associations were ji present in the meeting.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi