10,800 MT paddy procured in WG

PNS|BHIMAVARAM

West Godavari District Collector P Prashanthi has said that 10,800 Metric Tonnes paddy has been procured from the farmers in the district so far as against the target of 3.42 lakh Metric Tonnes.

Addressing a media conference here on Tuesday, the Collector said that the paddy procurement centres were set up in 296 Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs) in the district. The procurement of paddy has already begun at the RBK Tadepalligudem, Pentapadu and Tanuku mandals and arrangements were made to procure paddy in the other RBKs across the district.

“Steps were taken to disburse money to the farmers within 21 days of purchasing the paddy produce. The volunteers will help the farmers if they want to sell their paddy produce to the rice mills. One senior VRO and an RI were appointed to each RBKs as custodians. As many as 290 lorries were kept ready for transporting paddy to the rice mills”, the Collector informed.Collector Prashanthi made it clear that there is no scarcity for gunny bags as the required number of bags available in the RBKs. She said that volunteers would be appointed to 55 weighbridges in the district, adding that 34 deputy Tahasildars were appointed to monitor the paddy procurement.

When asked if gauging of moisture percent of paddy produce is different at rice mills and RBKs, the Collector clarified that the moisture percent fixed at the RBKs would be taken into consideration. An officer was also appointed to resolve the moisture percentage issue. The Collector said that Rs.2,060 for a 100 kg bag of grade A variety, Rs.2,040 for common variety, and Rs.1,545 for a 75 kg grade A variety and Rs.1530 for common variety are being paid as support price. District Joint Collector JV Murali, Narasapuram Sub Collector N. Surya Teja, Bhimavaram RDO Dasiraju were present.