The paddy procurement drive in Prayagraj has gained significant momentum this Kharif season, backed by a substantial increase in procurement centres and a streamlined payment system that ensures farmers receive their money within two days. The initiative, which began on November 1, aims to purchase a substantial 2.73 lakh metric tons of paddy from the district's farmers.
Enhanced Infrastructure and Procurement Targets
To make the process far more accessible than previous years, the district administration has dramatically expanded its network of procurement centres. This year, a total of 161 centres have been established, which is 57 more than the number operational last year. Out of these, 156 centres are already actively purchasing paddy from farmers between 9 am and 5 pm daily. This expansion is a direct response to the need for greater convenience and reach for the farming community in the region.
The efforts are already showing strong results. In just the first month of operations, approximately 27,096.81 metric tons of paddy have been successfully procured from local farmers. The procurement window will remain open until February 28, 2025, under the Kharif marketing year 2025-26.
Revised MSP and Swift Direct Benefit Transfers
In a move that directly benefits the farmer's income, the state government has set the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the current season. The MSP for common variety paddy is fixed at Rs 2,369 per quintal, while the Grade A variety commands Rs 2,389 per quintal.
The most notable improvement this season is the drastic reduction in payment time. The administration has committed to transferring payments to the farmers' bank accounts within 48 hours of sale. This promise is being rigorously upheld. As of December 1, payments totalling a massive Rs 4,701 lakh have been directly transferred to the accounts of 4,408 farmers in Prayagraj district.
Tech-Driven Reforms for Transparency and Efficiency
To facilitate this seamless and timely process, the government has implemented several technological reforms. A key introduction is the OTP-based single registration system, which simplifies the initial process for farmers. Procurement is being carried out at the centres using e-POP (Electronic Point of Purchase) devices, ensuring digital recording and transparency.
All payments are mandated to be sent directly to the farmer's Aadhaar-linked bank account, eliminating intermediaries and potential delays. This end-to-end digital framework is the backbone of the administration's guarantee that payments are made within 48 hours under all circumstances, marking a significant step towards empowering the agricultural sector in Prayagraj.
