PNS|Vijayawada
The Civil Supplies Department has successfully procured 35,158 metric tonnes (MT) of Rabi paddy in NTR district, marking a major step toward the season’s target of 50,000 MT. The procurement is being carried out through 107 Rythu Seva Kendras (RSKs) operated by Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and District Cooperative Marketing Societies (DCMS), he said.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, NTR District Civil Supplies Manager TV Satish stated that 2,645 farmers have benefited from the procurement so far. The total value of paddy procured is Rs. 72.37 crore, out of which Rs. 66.87 crore has already been credited to the respective farmers’ bank accounts. The remaining Rs. 65 lakh is ready for disbursal, he added.
Satish further explained that PACS operate 77 RSKs, while DCMS manage 30 in the district. As per the Minimum Support Price (MSP) fixed by the Central government, farmers are receiving Rs. 2,320 per quintal for Grade-A paddy and Rs. 2,300 per quintal for the common variety.
Meanwhile, Satish said that to support uninterrupted procurement, the department has supplied 12,28,584 gunny bags across the district based on the demand from RSKs. Of which, 4,37,280 bags were supplied to the Tiruvuru Division, 5,84,700 bags to the Vijayawada Division, and 2,06,604 bags were supplied to the Nandigama Division.
The Civil Supplies Manager assured that there is no shortage of gunny bags and that procurement operations are proceeding smoothly. The department is currently procuring the MTU 1010 variety of paddy, a popular choice among farmers in the region. Additionally, 1,000 tarpaulins have been made available in the district to protect paddy from unexpected weather, considering the ongoing seasonal conditions, he explained.
NTR District Collector Dr G Lakshmisha is closely monitoring the day-to-day progress of procurement and payment settlements. Farmers with any concerns or queries can contact the control room at 7702003571, the official noted.
