Four-fold increase in paddy procurement in UP

Marking a four-fold increase in paddy procurement, the Uttar Pradesh government today informed that it has procured 14.49 lakh tonnes paddy for Rs 2,250 crore, thus benefiting 1,68,112 farmers.

This was conveyed by Chief Secretary Rajive Kumar at a meeting here with Food Corporation of India (FCI) Chairman and Managing Director Yogendra Tripathi and other top FCI officials on procurement and storage of paddy in the state.

Tripathi informed the chief secretary that the FCI had opened 132 centres for procurement of paddy.

FCI Managing Director Divya Prakash Shukla said the government was monitoring purchase of paddy by private players.

The support price for purchase of paddy from farmers is Rs 1,550 per quintal and the government will ensure that they are not forced to sell their produce at a price less than the support price.

Principal secretary, food and civil supplies, Nivedita Shukla Verma and Commissioner, food, Alok Kumar were present at the meeting, an official release said.