Punjab's Paddy Procurement Reaches New Heights: Over 60 Lakh Tonnes Procured

The Centre has procured 60.63 lakh tonnes of paddy in Punjab, paying Rs 12,200 crore to farmers as of October 28. The 2024-25 Kharif Marketing Season began on October 1, with the state aiming to reach 185 lakh tonnes by November, purchasing at an MSP of Rs 2320 per quintal.

The Centre announced on Tuesday that 60.63 lakh tonnes of paddy have been procured in Punjab, with payments totaling Rs 12,200 crore already made to farmers by October 28. The procurement for the Kharif Marketing Season 2024-25 started on October 1, utilizing 2,927 mandis, including 1,000 temporary yards across the state.

According to an official statement from the Union Food Ministry, out of the 65.75 lakh tonnes that arrived at the mandis, 60.63 lakh tonnes of paddy were procured by state agencies and the Food Corporation of India (FCI). Payments have been disbursed directly to farmers' bank accounts.

The procurement continues at a minimum support price of Rs 2320 per quintal, with the state set to reach its target of 185 lakh tonnes by November's end. Thus far, the paddy purchase totals Rs 14,066 crore, benefiting 3,51,906 farmers, and 4145 millers have applied for de-husking.

(With inputs from agencies.)