Paddy procurement from Punjab and Haryana postponed till October 11

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 30

The government has decided to postpone the paddy procurement from Punjab and Haryana till October 11, considering the high moisture content in the crop because of the recent spell of heavy rainfall in the region.

Paddy procurement was to begin in Punjab from October 1.

In a letter to Punjab government, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has said that because of the recent rains the maturity of paddy has been delayed and moisture content in the fresh arrival is beyond the permissible limit. “So to avoid any inconvenience to farmers, it has been decided that procurement under MSP would commence from October 11, in Punjab and Haryana to accept paddy stock as per specifications,” says the communication sent to the state government.

The state governments have been advised to dry the paddy that has already arrived in the mandis and further produce to be brought in mandis after proper drying.