Civil Supplies Department procures 89,000 tonnes of paddy so far

Despite initial hiccups, the first crop paddy procurement undertaken in the district by Civil Supplies Department was by and large a huge success.

“The procurement was conducted as per the government rate of Rs.21.50 per kg. Private mills were offering hardly Rs.15. So we were able to achieve the target,” said S Sreekumar, paddy marketing officer with the department. According to him, there was no shortfall in the quantity of paddy procured this year compared to the previous year.

According to Mr. Sreekumar, the department has already procured 90 per cent of the harvest of the first season. Delay on the part of department in initiating procurement had evoked widespread concern in this traditional rice bowl of the State. The procurement had begun only by October first week. In previous years, it began in September coinciding with the beginning of the harvest season.

The department has so far procured 89,000 tonnes of paddy. Procurement is now progressing in Nallepully and Perumatty panchayats, where it was a late harvesting.

Compared to previous years, instant disbursal of payment is being done. Till last week, Rs.151 crore had been paid to farmers who sold their harvest to the department. The payment is being transferred through bank accounts.

Officials said they were releasing Rs.19 per kg at present. The remaining Rs.2.50 per kg would be credited to the accounts immediately after getting nod of the State government. Facility to sanction loans to farmers to begin the next season cultivation is also in place.