Paddy Procurement Begins in Rupnagar District Markets Amid Official Oversight
Anandpur Sahib, October 7, 2024: The paddy procurement season has officially kicked off in the markets of Rupnagar district, as announced by the office of the Additional District Public Relations Officer (ADPRO), Sri Anandpur Sahib. The annual event marks a critical period for farmers, rice millers, and traders, ensuring that the produce is efficiently procured and processed for consumption.
Deputy Commissioner of Rupnagar, Himanshu Jain, confirmed the commencement of paddy procurement in all major markets of the district. In his address, he emphasized the smooth operation of the entire process, attributing it to the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including rice millers and arhtiyas (commission agents), who have begun their operations without delay.
Government Guidelines on Paddy Moisture Levels
Deputy Commissioner Jain issued an advisory to farmers, urging them to ensure their paddy has a moisture content of 17% or less before bringing it to the markets. This advisory aims to streamline the procurement process, prevent delays, and avoid potential losses caused by the rejection of moisture-laden paddy. He stressed that exceeding this moisture limit could compromise both the quality of the produce and the efficiency of milling operations.
“Our procurement agencies and rice millers are fully prepared, but we request the cooperation of farmers by adhering to the 17% moisture guideline. This will help avoid unnecessary complications during the procurement process,” Jain stated.
Key Officials Overseeing Procurement
The launch of the paddy procurement season was attended by several prominent officials who are tasked with ensuring that the process runs smoothly across the district. Among them were Additional Deputy Commissioner Pooja Siyal Grewal, District Controller of Food Supplies, and the managers of various government procurement agencies. Their presence underscores the administration’s commitment to transparency and efficiency in the procurement process.
The district administration, in coordination with the Food Supplies Department, has put measures in place to monitor the operations of rice millers and arhtiyas to ensure fair pricing and adherence to guidelines.
Support for Farmers and Ensuring Fair Trade
The Rupnagar administration has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of farmers during this procurement season. Government agencies have set up procurement centers across the district to facilitate easy access for farmers, ensuring that their produce is bought at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) set by the government.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Pooja Siyal Grewal said that every effort is being made to ensure the prompt procurement of paddy from farmers while maintaining fair trade practices. “The administration has provided all necessary resources to make sure that the procurement process is seamless. We are monitoring the markets closely to avoid any issues,” she added.
The active involvement of officials such as Grewal, along with the District Controller of Food Supplies and procurement agency managers, is expected to enhance the efficiency of the process, benefitting both farmers and millers.
Farmers Urged to Cooperate with Guidelines
To further assist farmers, the district administration has launched awareness campaigns to educate them about the importance of adhering to the moisture limit and other quality standards set by the government. These initiatives are expected to reduce the number of rejected paddy consignments and improve the overall yield for the season.
In summary, the paddy procurement process in Rupnagar district has begun with the government agencies and millers working in sync to ensure a smooth and efficient operation. The administration’s efforts to provide transparency and support to farmers highlight the importance of this season, not only for the local economy but for food security in the region as well.
