New Delhi, 3 November (H.S.):

As of 2nd November 2024, a total quantity of 90.69 LMT of paddy has arrived in the Punjab mandis out of which 85.41 LMT have been procured by State agencies and FCI. The paddy is being purchased at MSP @ Rs 2320/- as decided by Govt of India for Grade ‘A’ paddy and the total paddy purchased by Government till date in the ongoing KMS 2024-25, amounts to Rs 19800 crore benefitting 4 lakh farmers. Further, 4640 millers have applied for shelling of paddy and 4132 Millers have already been allotted work by Punjab State Government, informed Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.

The Procurement of Paddy for KMS 2024-25 has commenced in Punjab from 1st October 2024 and 2927 designated mandis and temporary yards are operational throughout the State for smooth procurement from the farmers of Punjab. Central Government has fixed an estimated target of 185 LMT for Paddy Procurement for the ongoing KMS 2024-25 which shall continue upto 30.11.2024.

Though the procurement commenced a bit late due to heavy rains in September and high moisture content in paddy, it is back on track and has picked up in full swing now.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Nimish kumar