The Government of India has achieved significant progress in the procurement of paddy and wheat during the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2022-23 and the ongoing Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2023-24. This article highlights the smooth operations, the number of farmers who benefited, and the overall procurement figures, showcasing the government’s commitment to ensuring fair prices and support to the agricultural community.
Paddy Procurement in KMS 2022-23
The procurement of paddy during the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2022-23 has progressed smoothly across the country. As of June 19th, 2023, the procurement of paddy for the Central Pool under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations has reached over 830 Lakh Metric Tons (LMT). This commendable initiative has directly benefited more than 122 million farmers, who have received a total MSP outflow of one crore and seventy-one thousand (Rs. 1,71,000 crore) directly transferred into their accounts.
Smooth Operations and Rice Delivery
The Government of India has ensured that all arrangements are in place for hassle-free paddy procurement operations. The procurement of 830 LMT of paddy (equivalent to 558 LMT of rice) has resulted in the receipt of around 401 LMT of rice into the Central Pool as of 19th June 2023. Another 150 LMT of rice is yet to be received, indicating steady progress in the process.
Wheat Procurement in RMS 2023-24
The procurement of wheat during the ongoing Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2023-24 has also witnessed smooth progress. The total progressive procurement of wheat as of 19th June 2023 is 262 LMT, surpassing the previous year’s total procurement of 188 LMT by 74 LMT. Around 21.29 Lakh farmers have already benefitted from the ongoing wheat procurement operations, with an MSP outflow of about Rs. 55,680 crores.
Major Contributions and MSP Payments
The states of Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana have made significant contributions to the wheat procurement. Punjab has contributed 121.27 LMT, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 70.98 LMT and Haryana with 63.17 LMT. The combined MSP payment to farmers for wheat and paddy procurement this year amounts to Rs. 2,26,829 crore, exceeding last year’s total payment of Rs. 2,05,896 crore.
Adequate Food Grains Stock
With the successful procurement of wheat and paddy, the Government of India has maintained adequate stock of food grains in its granaries. The combined stock position of wheat and rice has reached 570 LMT, ensuring the country’s ability to meet its food grain requirements comfortably.
