Uttar Pradesh Surpasses Paddy Procurement Target in Kharif Season
The state of Uttar Pradesh has achieved a significant milestone in agricultural procurement, exceeding its set target for paddy during the recent Kharif marketing season. According to official data, the state procured a total of 62.30 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, surpassing the initial goal of 60 lakh metric tonnes. This procurement drive concluded on February 28, marking a successful period for the state's agricultural sector.
Massive Financial Disbursement to Farmers
In connection with this procurement effort, the state government made substantial payments to farmers across Uttar Pradesh. A spokesperson for the state government confirmed that nearly Rs 15,000 crore was disbursed to approximately 10.53 lakh farmers. This financial injection into the rural economy is expected to bolster farmer livelihoods and support agricultural communities.
The procurement process was facilitated through an extensive network of 4,869 procurement centres spread throughout the state. This widespread infrastructure ensured that farmers from various regions could easily participate and sell their produce.
Efficient Payment System and Procurement Rates
The state implemented a highly efficient payment mechanism to ensure timely and transparent transactions. Payments were made directly into farmers' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, typically within 48 hours of procurement. This approach effectively eliminated the involvement of middlemen, reducing delays and potential corruption.
Regarding procurement rates, the government set specific prices for different paddy grades. Common grade paddy was procured at Rs 2,369 per quintal, while Grade-A paddy commanded a slightly higher rate of Rs 2,389 per quintal. These standardized rates provided clarity and fairness in the procurement process.
Registration and Operational Details
A total of 12,82,892 farmers registered to sell their paddy during the season. The food and civil supplies department introduced an innovative OTP-based single registration system for paddy sales, streamlining the process and enhancing security.
The procurement timeline varied across different regions of Uttar Pradesh:
- In Western Uttar Pradesh divisions and districts including Hardoi, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Sitapur, procurement continued until January 31.
- In divisions such as Chitrakoot, Kanpur, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Devipatan, Basti, Azamgarh, Varanasi, Mirzapur, and Prayagraj, along with districts like Lucknow, Raebareli, and Unnao, procurement extended until February 28.
This staggered approach allowed for efficient management of the procurement process across the state's diverse agricultural landscape.
