Paddy Procurement Crossed 700 LMT Mark: Centre

Centre on Tuesday said Paddy procurement for KMS 2022-23 (Kharif crop) is progressing smoothly with purchase of over702 LMT of paddy up to 20 February 2023.

The government said over 96 lakh farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing KMS procurement operations with MSP outflow of Rs 1,45,845 crore with transfer of payment directly into farmers’ account.

“All arrangements are in place for hassle-free procurement operations,” Centre said in a press note.

Central Government said rice delivery against the procured paddy is around 218 LMT in the Central Pool up to 20 February.

“Adequate rice stock is currently available in the Central Pool for meeting the requirements of the country,” the note mentioned.

For Kharif crop of current KMS 2022-23, Centre has estimated a quantity of 765.43 LMT Paddy (514 LMT in terms of Rice) to be procured as against 749 LMT Paddy (503 LMT in terms of Rice) actually procured during last KMS 2021-22 (Kharif Crop).

Centre said the estimated procurement of Paddy for Rabi crop of KMS 2022-23 is going to be finalised in the forthcoming Food Secretaries’ meeting to be held on 1 March.

“With the inclusion of Rabi crop, it is expected that around 900 LMT paddy may be procured during the entire KMS 2022-23,” Centre said.