The Punjab cabinet Thursday reviewed the arrangements and preparedness for the paddy procurement season beginning from October 1, with Chief Minister Amarinder Singh issuing directives for "smooth and hassle-free" procurement of the grain.
An official spokesperson said elaborate arrangements were being made to procure the expected 200 lakh metric tonnes of paddy.
The chief minister asked the Food and Civil Supplies Department -- the nodal agency for the procurement operations -- to ensure all necessary arrangements for smooth, prompt and hassle-free procurement and storage of paddy.
The Centre has fixed Minimum Support Price (MSP) at Rs 1,770 per quintal for grade 'A' paddy and Rs 1,750 per quintal for common variety paddy for the Kharif marketing season 2018-19.
Five state procurement agencies -- Pungrain, Markfed, Punsup, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation, Punjab Agro Food Corporation, along with FCI -- will procure paddy at MSP as per specifications laid down by the Government of India.
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During the previous season 2017-18, a total of 179.34 LT paddy was procured, of which 176.61 LT was procured by government agencies, while traders/millers procured only 2.73 LT.
During 2018-19 season, state agencies will procure 190.00 LT paddy and FCI will procure 10 LT, the spokesman said.
The Cabinet was informed that for the procurement of 190 LT paddy, Cash Credit Limit amounting to Rs 40,300 crore was required by the state procuring agencies.
The same will be arranged before the commencement of the season, the cabinet observed.
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