With higher price provided by the state government for the main Kharif crop paddy, the number of paddy selling farmers has increased this season. As against 15.71 lakh farmers previous year, this year the number of farmers who approached procurement centers for selling paddy is around 16 lakhs. Notable, February 15 is the last date of procurement by the state government.
Secretary, Food, Dr Kamalpreet Singh informed that the procurement of paddy at the procurement centers is going on in full swing this time and till date the government has procured 68.63 lakh metric tonne of paddy. Against 19.52 lakh registered farmers 13.2 lakh small farmers have sold their paddy till date, he added.
The central agency Food Corporation of India (FCI) till January, 2020 taken 3 lakh tonne of parboiled rice prepared after milling of procured paddy, Singh informed.
Similarly the Civil Supplies Corporation of state has taken 10 lakh tonne of rice under state pool.
Regarding procurement of paddy, the official further informed that a total amount of 11,973 crore has been paid directly into the bank accounts of the farmers.
Rice millers of the state have till date taken 32.6 lakh tonne of paddy for the milling purpose, he added.
Regarding action on illegal transporters, the official further informed that a total of 4,280 cases of illegal transportation were registered and 45,930 tonne of illegal paddy was seized. Actions on 400 vehicles were done in this regard, he added. Stern action benefitted the state farmers, he claimed.
