Ensure all paddy brought by farmers to procurement centres is purchased: Yogi to officials

In the meeting, officials informed that this year, the minimum support price (MSP) for common rice is Rs 2,369 per quintal, and for Grade-A rice, Rs 2,389 per quintal, an increase of Rs 69 from last year. Currently, there are 4,227 procurement centres, it was informed. Adityanath instructed that the number of centres be increased to 5,000 so that farmers can access the facility closer to their villages and towns.

According to officials, as of November 30, 9.02 lakh metric tonnes of paddy had been procured from 1,51,030 farmers, and over Rs 1,984 crore has been directly transferred to farmers’ accounts.

Adityanath instructed that the supply of fortified rice for mid-day meals and Anganwadi centres should remain uninterrupted, stressing the need for adequate stock. To ensure smooth FRK (fortified rice kernel) supply, he directed that vendor numbers be increased and technical issues resolved promptly.

Officials said around 2,130 metric tonnes of FRK have so far cleared quality testing.

The chief minister further asked officials to increase manpower at procurement centres wherever required to prevent crowding and avoid sending farmers back unattended.

He emphasised simplifying paddy lifting, mill mapping and other related processes to keep procurement smooth and continuous. Availability of fertiliser and seeds was also reviewed.

Adityanath directed that no district should face shortages and that farmers should get both inputs easily. Departments concerned must regularly review stock and supply positions, he added.