UP procures 6 lakh metric tonne paddy for Rs 956 cr

The Uttar Pradesh government today informed that it has procured 6.16 lakh metric tonne paddy from as many as 66,257 farmers this year, and made payments worth Rs 955.58 crore.
In an official statement issued here today, UP chief secretary Rajive Kumar said the support price for purchase of paddy from farmers is Rs 1,550 per quintal, and they should not be forced to sell their produce at a price less than the support price.
Last year, the purchase during the same period was around 1.68 lakh metric tonne.
The chief secretary directed the district magistrates to publish information (in local newspapers) pertaining to purchase centres such as name of centre in-charge, his mobile number and other relevant information, so that the farmer could easily sell his produce.

Principal secretary, food and civil supplies Nivedita Shukla Verma said adverse entries have been given to 18 officials for laxity in paddy purchase, while eight persons have been suspended.