90% produce purchased at grain markets: Kataruchak

Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today said at least 90 per cent of the paddy that had reached the mandis had already been procured by the state.

Giving details, he said, “Out of total 38 lakh metric tonne (LMT) paddy that has reached mandis till date, 34.5 LMT has already been procured.” He said despite initial disruptions due to reluctance of a few rice miller groups, the lifting process has gained momentum in all districts across the state and over 2 LMT paddy was lifted today itself.

The minister said out of total 5,000 rice mills in the state, 3,120 had applied for the allotment of paddy stock and the process had already been completed in 2,522 cases so far. Nearly 1,550 rice millers have already executed agreements with state agencies for storage and milling of paddy being procured, while 150 cases are under process. He said around Rs 5,683 crore had already been transferred into the accounts of farmers.