Bihar procures 16 lakh tonnes of paddy

In view of the bumper paddy crop in this kharif season, Bihar has procured 16 lakh tonnes of paddy till Thursday against the target of 30 lakh tonnes, officials Friday said.

Food and Consumers Affairs Minister Shyam Rajak told IANS: “We are sure to achieve a record target of 30 lakh tonnes procurement of paddy this year”.

Rajak said that farmers were paid Rs.1,325 crore for paddy.

“We have directed officials to deposit the amount in the bank account of farmers within 72 hours after procurement.”

After two years of successive drought, a bumper paddy crop this season has come as a huge relief to millions of farmers in Bihar.

“This year Bihar has produced over 70 lakh tonnes of paddy,” Rajak said.

According to the minimum support price announced by the central government, farmers will get Rs.1,080 per quintal of paddy — up from last year’s price of Rs.1,010.

The government has purchased six crore gunny bags worth Rs.200 crore to achieve the paddy procurement target, an official said.

Government agencies involved in procurement of paddy had till last week complained of scarcity of gunny bags.

“It was found true and the government decided to purchase gunny bags to remove any hurdle,” a Food and Consumers Affairs Department official said.