Paddy lifting rate up at 82% in Ambala with lower arrivals

As fresh arrivals in the grain markets of Ambala district continue to decline, the lifting rate of paddy has improved, with over 82 per cent of stocks lifted from various markets by Thursday evening.

Earlier in the season, a surge in arrivals combined with sluggish lifting rates created challenges for paddy farmers, who faced long waits to offload their produce at grain markets. According to data, approximately 5.50 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of paddy have arrived at Ambala’s 15 grain markets and purchase centres, of which 5.32 lakh MT has been procured by various agencies. Out of the total procured stocks, 4.39 lakh MT (82.62 per cent) have been lifted as of Thursday evening.

Among the procurement agencies, the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department has purchased 2.79 lakh MT, lifting 84.63 per cent of the stock. HAFED has procured 2.39 lakh MT, with an 80.83 per cent lifting rate, while the Haryana State Warehousing Corporation bought 13,029 MT and lifted 72.63 per cent.

Nearly 94 per cent of payments have been cleared by procurement agencies for the lifted stocks, while the overall payment against procurement is around 77.6 per cent.

Vinod Rana, a farmer leader, said, “The lifting has improved in the grain market now, but this was very tough for the farmers. Earlier, farmers faced inconvenience in selling paddy due to a shortage of space, then payments were delayed due to poor lifting. Now, the government has started taking strict actions against farmers who burn stubble. Red entries have been made, fines imposed, and even FIRs are being registered. The government has provided Rs 1,000 per acre for crop residue management, which is insufficient. The incentive should be increased to Rs 2,500 per acre.”

Meanwhile, District Food and Supplies Controller Ambala, Apar Tiwari, said, “Nearly 5.50 lakh MT stock has already arrived, and total arrivals are expected to reach 5.75 to 6 lakh MT this season.”