Punjab Paddy Procurement for KMS 2024-25 Hits 85.41 LMT, Rs 19,800 Crore Given to 4 Lakh Farmers

Key Highlights

• Rs 19,800 crore distributed to approximately 4 lakh farmers.
• Procurement started on October 1, 2024, with MSP at Rs 2,320 per quintal.
• 2,927 mandis and temporary collection yards set up for smooth operations.
• Central Government's target for the season is 185 LMT by November 30.

The Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25 has shown promising progress in Punjab with paddy procurement reaching 85.41 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) as of November 2. The state, aiming to support its farmers, has disbursed Rs 19,800 crore to approximately 4 lakh farmers.

Also Read: Centre Ensures Smooth Paddy Procurement in Punjab with Support for Rice Millers

Strong Start to Paddy Procurement

The paddy procurement began on October 1, 2024. Despite initial delays caused due to heavy rainfall in September, the process has now progressed. As a result, 90.69 LMT of paddy has arrived in Punjab's mandis, with 85.41 LMT already procured by the state agencies and the Food Corporation of India (FCI). This swift action ensures fair compensation for farmers, with the Minimum Support Price (MSP) set at Rs 2,320 per quintal for Grade 'A' paddy, providing a vital financial boost to the agricultural community.

Efficient Infrastructure and Mandis Set Up

To handle the large volumes of paddy, Punjab has established 2,927 mandis and additional collection yards across the state. This setup has streamlined the procurement, making it easier for farmers to sell their crops without any kind of unnecessary delays. The state government has also responded to miller’s requests, approving 4,640 applications for paddy shelling permissions. Out of these, 4,132 millers have been allocated work, which has further sped up the milling process.

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Central Government's Procurement Target

The Central Government has set a target of procuring 185 LMT of paddy in Punjab for the entire KMS 2024-25 season, scheduled to end on November 30. The recent rainfall and high moisture levels did present some challenges early in the season. However, procurement activities have since picked up speed, showing Punjab's adaptability and preparedness to meet the target.

Benefits for Punjab’s Farmers

This procurement season has brought significant economic relief to around 4 lakh farmers. By providing them with timely payments and a fair price for their crops, the state aims to stabilize farmer’s incomes and also boost the agricultural economy. Punjab's efforts reflect its commitment to protecting and supporting the farming community during this crucial season.

As KMS 2024-25 continues, Punjab is well on its way to meeting the set target, ensuring a prosperous season for both farmers and the agriculture sector.

Also Read: PM Kusum Yojana in UP: Turning Barren Land into a Source of Solar Energy

CMV360 Says

Punjab’s strong start in paddy procurement for KMS 2024-25 highlights its commitment to supporting farmers and stabilizing the agricultural economy. With timely payments, extensive mandi setups, and efficient milling processes, the state is on track to meet its 185 LMT target, ensuring a productive and beneficial season for all involved.