Higher paddy arrival in Haryana this year

The arrival and procurement of paddy crop in Haryana is much higher this year, officials of the state's food and supplies department said on Tuesday.

"During the current kharif season, more than 44.94 lakh tonnes of paddy has arrived in the mandis of Haryana till November 2. During this period last year, 31.12 lakh tonnes of paddy had arrived in the mandis," a spokesman of the food and supplies department said here.

The date of paddy procurement's beginning was brought back to September 25 this year instead of the normal procurement date of October 1.

The arrival of paddy is much higher than the 36 lakh tonnes target set by the department this year.

"Out of the total arrival, government procurement agencies have purchased more than 38.75 lakh tonnes paddy, millers and dealers have purchased 6.18 lakh tonnes," the spokesman said.

Kurukshetra, Karnal and Kaithal districts were leading in paddy arrival and procurement.

Neighbouring Punjab has procured over 105 lakh tonnes of paddy this year.