Bhopal: Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reviewed the arrangements being made in connection with the purchase of paddy and other crops in the state. The Agriculture and Food Department was directed to make necessary arrangements for procurement as per the convenience of farmers during the meeting.
The process of registration for sale of Kharif crops by farmers in the state is in progress. It was informed in the meeting that detailed instructions are being issued regarding procurement of paddy in the state. Special arrangements will be made in paddy producing districts. Detailed discussion on purchase of paddy, payment of funds to farmers and storage of procured paddy was held in the meeting.
Chief Minister Chouhan directed to begin procurement soon in view of the arrival of more paddy, jowar and bajra in the mandis of the state than previous year. According to the dates fixed earlier, the paddy should be purchased before date of its procurement on November 25 and jowar and bajra should be purchased before November 15.
Chief Minister Chouhan said that it should be ensured that farmers do not face any problem during procurement. It was informed at the meeting that the 1509 fine variety of paddy sown in Gwalior and Chambal divisions should also be purchased and farmers should get the benefits of support price.
Chouhan directed that 600 more centres should be opened in Kharif procurement so that farmers can sell produce at support price without any hassles. This will increase the number of centres to 1500 . Currently there are about 900 centres. As many as 5.96 lakh farmers of paddy, 10,000 of jowar and 29,416 bajra farmers in the state have got registered till October 9. Similarly, 54,926 cotton farmers which is more than the previous year have been registered. The last date of registration is October 15.
Agriculture Minister Kamal Patel, Chief Secretary Iqbal Singh Bains, Agriculture Production Commissioner K.K. Singh, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Shri Manish Rastogi, Principal Secretary Food Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, M.D. Markfed P. Narhari, Commissioner Public Relations Dr. Sudam Khade and other officials were present.
