Haryana and Punjab Push Paddy Procurement Amid Rain Challenges

Despite delays due to heavy rains, Haryana and Punjab are making significant strides in meeting their paddy procurement targets. Both states have already secured 112 lakh tonnes, with substantial funds released to farmers. The Food Ministry remains optimistic about achieving the targets by mid-November.

In a determined effort to overcome challenges posed by heavy rains, Haryana and Punjab are advancing towards their paddy procurement targets. The Food Ministry announced that the two states have already purchased 112 lakh tonnes of paddy. Notably, procurement activities are at full pace in key areas such as Kaithal and Kurukshetra in Haryana, nearing last year's procurement levels.

By Tuesday, financial disbursements totaling Rs 13,211 crore and Rs 10,529 crore were made to farmers in Punjab and Haryana, respectively, in the ongoing kharif marketing season for 2024-25. So far, 10 lakh farmers in Punjab and 4.06 lakh in Haryana have registered to sell their produce this year.

The ministry maintains confidence that the states will meet their goals—185 lakh tonnes for Punjab and 60 lakh tonnes for Haryana—by the deadlines of November 30 and November 15. It assured that no paddy grain would be left unprocured. The App-based FCI Grievance Redressal System has been launched to address rice millers' concerns efficiently.

(With inputs from agencies.)