Rice procurement may dip in cyclone-hit states

Some, including Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh, set to post an increase

The unprecedented rain and three cyclones that hit the coastal eastern belt in November and December might take a toll on paddy procurement in those parts in 2013-14.

The procurement was projected to touch 35 million tonnes due to a good monsoon compared to 34.04 mt in 2012-13.

However, some states expect rises. An official in the agriculture department in Bhopal said Madhya Pradesh (MP) was set to post a significant rise due to more planting and the Rs 150 a quintal bonus by the state government above the Centre's minimum support price. MP might procure 1.6 mt compared to 1.3 mt a year ago. Bihar expects to get more. And, 2012-13 was a drought year for Tamil Nadu when 400,000 tonnes were procured; this year's expectation is 1.5 mt.

As the fourth advanced estimates of the ministry of agriculture are yet to come, procurement agencies are relying on the initial estimates from the food secretary in the preparatory meeting on winter crops. Sources in the Food Corporation of India said actual procurement might surpass the estimates.