Haryana has purchased 12 times more paddy at MSP compared to Punjab: Govt
18,577 metric tons of paddy lifted from mandis so far
Rs.12.85 crore transferred to the accounts of more than 15,000 farmers
28,427 metric tons of Bajra purchased so far
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, October 4, 2024 - Despite the strike by rice millers in Haryana and Punjab, the robust arrangements made by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Haryana for ensuring smooth and hassle free paddy procurement are yielding fruitful results and hence Department has provided significant relief to farmers by purchasing 12 times more paddy at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) compared to Punjab.
The online gate pass system has made it much easier for farmers to sell their crops. So far, 1,18,763 metric tons of paddy have been procured in Haryana, while in Punjab, only 9433 metric tons have been purchased.
Divulging more details in this regard, a spokesperson of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department shared that various government agencies are purchasing paddy in the mandis. The paddy procurement process will continue until November 15, 2024. The government is procuring paddy at the MSP fixed by the centre.
The MSP for common paddy is Rs. 2,300 per quintal, while the MSP for Grade-A paddy is Rs. 2,320 per quintal. Paddy is being purchased at 241 mandis and procurement centers in the state. Instructions have been issued by the department to procure paddy with up to 17 percent moisture content only. Adequate jute sacks (bardana) are available in all the mandis, and necessary equipment for crop cleaning and other activities are also ensured.
The spokesperson further shared that in addition to paddy, other Kharif crops are also being purchased at MSP. The procurement of Bajra at MSP has been ongoing since October 1 in the state, with purchases being made at 91 mandis and procurement centers.
The spokesperson said that farmers have been urged to bring their crops properly cleaned and dried to the mandis to avoid any issues during procurement. Paddy should not have more than 17 percent moisture content.
As of October 4, a total of 4,37,775 metric tons of paddy has arrived in the state's mandis, out of which government agencies have purchased 1,18,763 metric tons, and 18,577 metric tons of paddy have already been lifted.
The spokesperson shared that timely payments to farmers for their procured crops are being ensured, and over Rs. 12.85 crore has been directly transferred to the bank accounts of more than 15,000 farmers. The lifted paddy is being stored in warehouses, plinths, and other designated locations.
Kurukshetra leads in paddy procurement
The spokesperson shared that out of the total 1,18,763 metric tons of paddy procured so far, Kurukshetra district has seen the highest procurement with over 40,227 metric tons. Besides this, 28,116 metric tons has been procured in Yamunanagar, 30,149 metric tons in Ambala, 10,774 metric tons in Karnal, 3,436 metric tons in Kaithal and 5,424 metric tons in Panchkula. Similarly, procurement is ongoing in the mandis of other districts as well.
Rewari leads in Bajra procurement
The spokesperson also informed that the department started the procurement of Bajra at MSP from October 1, 2024. A total of 91 mandis and procurement centers have been specially opened for this, and by October 4 , over 28,427 metric tons of Bajra had been procured in the state.
He further shared that 9,791 metric tons of Bajra has been purchased at MSP in Rewari district, which is the highest so far. However, 7,199 metric tons of Bajra has been procured in Mahendragarh, 5,549 metric tons in Gurugram, 3,282 metric tons in Jhajjar, 841 metric tons in Bhiwani and 1,682 metric tons in Mewat.
The spokesperson said that the Kharif crop procurement process in the state is running smoothly and will continue until November 15, 2024. The department is fully committed to safeguarding farmers' interests and will ensure an uninterrupted and efficient procurement process throughout the season.