According to a press release, issued by the state government, this is a significant increase compared to the previous year, where by November 25, 2023, agencies had procured 5.79 lakh metric tons of paddy. The purchase of an additional 1.49 lakh metric tons is an achievement, the release mentioned.
The release said Rs 1464 crores have been received by the farmers. It has ensured timely financial support for them. This was possible because of the effective implementation of the state’s agricultural policies.
Chief minister Yogi Aditynath has given clear instructions to the Food and Civil Supplies Department to conduct regular inspections at procurement centres across the state. Besides, the government is trying to ensure payments to farmers within 48 hours.
The release claimed the state government has given a special focus on the paddy procurement. Till the last week of the November month, the agencies purchased more than 7.28 lakh metric tons of paddy. This shows an increase of 1.49 lakh metric tons compared to the 5.79 lakh metric tons bought by the same period in 2023-24. So far, paddy has been purchased from 105,439 farmers.
Recently, a review meeting was held by CM Yogi to collect information about the status of the paddy procurement process in the state. Apart from expediting the speed of paddy procurements, CM Yogi directed the officials to maintain transparency in the process of paddy procurement. He also gave them clear instructions to give payment to the farmers within 48 hours. He also directed the officials concerned to ensure regular reviews of the process of paddy procurement across the state. As things stand today, Rs 1,464 crore has been paid to farmers.The support price for paddy is set at Rs 2,300 per quintal in UP, besides Rs 2,320 per quintal for Grade A paddy. Farmers are also being reimbursed Rs 20 per quintal for activities such as threshing, cleaning, and sorting.The state government has set up 4,215 procurement centres for the procurement of paddy. These centres remain operational from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Content Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com