North News
New Delhi, November 3
As of November 2, a total of 90.69 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy has arrived in Punjab’s mandis, with 85.41 LMT procured by state agencies and the Food Corporation of India (FCI). The ongoing Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25 has seen paddy purchased at a minimum support price (MSP) of ₹2,320 per quintal for Grade ‘A’ paddy. Government procurement so far amounts to ₹19,800 crore, benefiting approximately 400,000 farmers.
Accordin to the official statement issued by the Centre, the procurement drive, which started on October 1, 2024, is facilitated through 2,927 designated mandis and temporary yards across Punjab. The central government has set a target of 185 LMT for the KMS 2024-25, running until November 30, 2024.
Despite initial delays due to September rains and high moisture content in the crop, procurement is now proceeding smoothly. Of the 4,640 millers who applied for shelling, 4,132 have been allocated work by the state government.
