The government today said that over 126 lakh metric tonnes of paddy has arrived in the mandis of Punjab. Out of this, more than 120 lakh metric tonnes were procured by state agencies and the Food Corporation of India (FCI).

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution said the paddy is being purchased at a minimum support price of 2320 rupees per quintal for Grade ‘A’ paddy. The total paddy purchased by the government till date in the current Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) amounts to 27995 crore rupees. It has benefited around 6.58 lakh farmers.

The procurement of paddy for KMS 2024-25 commenced in Punjab from 1st October. 2927 designated mandis and temporary yards are operational throughout the state for smooth procurement of paddy. The Central Government has fixed a target of 185 lakh metric tonnes for paddy procurement for the ongoing marketing season which will continue till 30th of this month.