Haryana Prepares for Kharif Procurement Season 2024-25: Target to Purchase 60 Lakh Metric Tons of Paddy

Haryana Prepares for Kharif Procurement Season 2024-25: Target to Purchase 60 Lakh Metric Tons of Paddy

Haryana gears up for Kharif procurement season 2024-25, aiming to purchase 60 lakh metric tons of paddy. Dr. Sumita Mishra reviews the preparations to ensure smooth procurement with the support of online platforms and enhanced facilities in mandis.

Chandigarh, August 21:Haryana is all set for the upcoming Kharif procurement season 2024-25, with a target to purchase approximately 60 lakh metric tons of paddy. In a meeting led by Dr. Sumita Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, state officials and heads of procurement agencies reviewed the preparations to ensure a seamless buying process. The meeting, which involved key stakeholders, including the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board, the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, and the Food Corporation of India, emphasized the need for smooth operations during this critical season.

Dr. Mishra assured rice millers and other stakeholders that all necessary steps are being taken to prevent any challenges during the procurement season. Discussions were held on key aspects, including the availability of wooden crates, bags, and storage capacity, along with transportation logistics, to avoid any disruptions in the procurement process.

Farmers who register their crops on the “Meri Fasal Mera Byora” portal will have their produce procured and payments processed through the online e-procurement portal, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Sufficient arrangements for bags and storage have been made in the state’s mandis, ensuring farmers a hassle-free selling experience.

The state aims to procure 3.83 lakh metric tons of millet (bajra) under the National Food Security Act, 2013, and the Public Distribution System. The Government of India has set the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy at Rs. 2,300 per quintal for the common variety and Rs. 2,320 per quintal for Grade-A. For bajra, the MSP is Rs. 2,625 per quintal.

To facilitate the procurement of crops, the state has established procurement centers across Haryana for crops like paddy, bajra, maize, moong, groundnut, sesame, pigeon pea, and black gram. There are 241 procurement centers for paddy and 91 for bajra, among others. Dr. Mishra directed that these procurement centers be equipped with essential facilities such as help desks, drinking water, and restrooms. Additionally, instructions were given to install CCTV cameras and electronic weighbridges to ensure smooth operations.

A helpline number (1800-180-2600) has been established at the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board in Panchkula to assist farmers.

Prominent officials present at the meeting included J. Ganesan, Managing Director of HAFED, K. Makarand Pandurang, Managing Director of the Haryana State Warehousing Corporation, and Sharanadeep Kaur Barar, General Manager of FCI Haryana Division.

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