Centre starts kharif procurement in big way to douse fury over farm bills

Will also procure 1.4 million tonnes of pulses and oilseeds, and start lifting cotton on October 1

Amid protests by cultivators against the farm bills, the Centre on Monday allowed to all states to start kharif rice procurement today and for the first time also decided to procure one per cent fortified rice which will be blended with normal rice to boost nutrition levels.

That apart, the government said it would also procure around 1.4 million tonnes of pulses and oilseeds from farmers, and start lifting cotton on October 1. Earlier, Nafed had decided to procure soybean and pulses from various farmers in Maharashtra, Karnakata, Tamil Nadu and other states.

The government aims to send a clear