Chandigarh: The government today said that over 90 lakh tonnes of paddy have arrived in the mandis. Out of this over 85 lakh tonnes were procured by state agencies and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in Punjab. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution said, the paddy is being purchased at Minimum Support Price of 2320 rupees as decided by the government for Grade ‘A’ paddy. The total paddy purchased by Government till date in the current Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) amounts to 19,800 crore rupees and it has benefitted 4 lakh farmers.
The procurement of paddy for KMS 2024-25 commenced in Punjab from 1st October and 2927 designated mandis and temporary yards are operational throughout the State for smooth procurement from the farmers. Central Government has fixed an estimated target of 185 lakh tonnes for paddy procurement for the ongoing marketing season which will continue till 30th November.