Government paddy procurement in Udham Singh Nagar has remained sluggish, with just 1722.80 quintals purchased by Friday. The entire procurement has taken place at centres operated by the Regional Food Controller (RFC), while other centres have yet to see meaningful activity.
The slow start matters for farmers preparing to bring their crop to government procurement points. Food department officials said farmers must register online through the procurement portal before selling paddy. A token is issued after registration, and farmers can bring their produce to a centre only after receiving it.
Kichha procurement begins
Paddy procurement also began at the Kichha mandi on Saturday. The district has increased the number of procurement centres, but officials said the arrival of paddy has not increased accordingly.
According to the department, harvesting is still under way in the fields. High moisture levels are another factor delaying arrivals, as farmers are drying the paddy before taking it to the mandis.
Rice millers’ dues add to the delay
The department also identified unpaid dues as a reason for the slow procurement. Rice millers have not been ready to purchase paddy because 500 crore remains outstanding, according to the department’s account.
Their security deposit requirement has nevertheless been reduced. Officials expect arrivals to increase at the other centres soon as harvesting progresses and farmers bring adequately dried paddy to the market.
Senior Marketing Officer Hemant Joshi of the Food Department appealed to farmers to bring only paddy that meets the prescribed dryness standards. He said this would help them receive payment immediately.
Conclusion
Udham Singh Nagar had procured 1722.80 quintals of paddy by Friday, with all purchases made at RFC centres. Procurement has started at Kichha, while officials are awaiting higher arrivals at other centres as harvesting and drying continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much paddy had Udham Singh Nagar procured by Friday?
The district had procured 1722.80 quintals of paddy by Friday.
Q. Where did the procurement take place?
The entire recorded procurement took place at RFC procurement centres.
Q. When did procurement begin at Kichha mandi?
Procurement began at Kichha mandi on Saturday.
Q. What must farmers do before bringing paddy to a centre?
Farmers must register on the procurement portal and obtain a token before bringing paddy to a centre.
Q. Why are paddy arrivals slow?
Officials cited ongoing harvesting, high moisture in the crop and rice millers’ concerns over unpaid dues.
Q. How much is outstanding to rice millers?
The department cited outstanding dues of 500 crore.
Q. What paddy have farmers been asked to bring?
Farmers have been asked to bring paddy that meets the prescribed dryness standards.
