The government of Uttar Pradesh is poised to kick off its paddy procurement process beginning on October 1, 2024, with plans to set up approximately 4,000 centers across the state to facilitate this initiative. This effort, aimed at supporting local farmers, will see procurement commence phase-wise, first targeting western districts and then moving toward the eastern regions as the month progresses.
Districts like Hardoi, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Sitapur will be the first to start accepting paddy deliveries. Farmers in Lucknow, Rae Bareli, and Unnao, among others, will have to wait until November 1 to begin selling their yield. The entire procurement is scheduled to continue until January 31, 2025, covering additional districts such as Meerut, Saharanpur, Moradabad, Bareilly, Agra, Aligarh, and Jhansi.
The government has set the minimum support price (MSP) for common paddy at Rs 2,300 per quintal, with grade A paddy fetching Rs 2,320 per quintal. An additional reimbursement of Rs 20 per quintal will also be provided to farmers to cover unloading, sieving, and cleaning costs for their harvested crops.
To prepare for this extensive process, the Uttar Pradesh Food and Civil Supplies Department initiated registration for farmers wanting to sell their paddy starting on September 1. Within just the first month, about 32,000 farmers from around the state had already registered. This indicates strong engagement from the farming community, which is significant considering the scale of paddy cultivation expected this marketing year.
According to the Agriculture Department's estimates, the area allocated for paddy cultivation for the Kharif marketing year 2024-2025 is approximately 61.24 lakh hectares. This vibrant agricultural activity is projected to yield around 265.54 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, translating to an average yield of about 43.36 quintals per hectare. Such figures highlight the significance of this crop to the local economy and food supply.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has emphasized the importance of timely payments, directing officials to process farmer payments within 48 hours of the paddy sale. This initiative is part of broader efforts to improve financial support and stability for farmers engaged in paddy production. With so many farmers dependent on the timely sale of their harvest, ensuring they receive prompt payment for their crops is pivotal.
The procurement centers, established strategically throughout Uttar Pradesh, are intended to make the process smooth and manageable for farmers. These centers serve not just as dropping points for paddy but also provide resources and guidance on how to effectively sell and prepare their crops for market.
Beyond immediate financial support, the procurement process also plays a key role in the larger agricultural policy framework of the Yogi government. By setting higher MSPs and improving the purchasing infrastructure, the administration aims to incentivize increased production and potentially greater innovatives agricultural practices among farmers.
Uttar Pradesh remains one of India's largest agricultural states, with paddy being among the most cultivated crops. The state's agricultural productivity and farmer income have long-term effects on local economies and livelihoods. Therefore, successful procurement will not only assist individual farmers but also boost broader economic growth.
The upcoming procurement phase is not without its challenges, particularly concerning logistics and farmers' preparedness to engage with the selling process. Nonetheless, the government has taken significant steps to create awareness and prepare farmers for the impending sale of their paddy.
Continuing agricultural education and accessibility to information about the MSP and how to navigate the purchasing conditions will be key factors contributing to the success of the procurement scheme. Outreach initiatives and workshops can empower farmers to maximize their earnings from the harvest.
Overall, this paddy procurement initiative marks another step forward for Uttar Pradesh's agricultural strategy. By supporting farmers and ensuring fair prices, the government aims to secure the future of paddy farming within the state and bolster food security at large.
