The Uttar Pradesh government announced a significant boost in farmer participation for the ongoing paddy procurement season, attributing the success to strengthened digital systems and simplified procedures. The state has reported a direct involvement of 4,09,444 farmers in the 2025-26 marketing year so far, marking a substantial increase from the 3,73,840 farmers who participated during the same period last year.
Digital Push Eliminates Middlemen, Accelerates Verification
A state government spokesperson highlighted that the shift to online processes has been a game-changer. The establishment of 4,743 online procurement centres across the state, up from 4,347 last year, has streamlined operations. The spokesperson emphasized that making farmer registration and verification digital has virtually eliminated the role of middlemen, ensuring benefits reach cultivators directly.
As of December 19, the registration numbers reflect this digital adoption. A total of 882,988 farmers have registered for paddy procurement this season, with verification completed for 668,698 of them. In contrast, during the same period last year, 713,600 farmers had registered, and 610,135 were verified. This indicates not only higher registration but also a faster verification process this year.
Procurement Volume and Timely Payments
The total volume of paddy procured has reached an impressive 2,502,149.60 metric tons for the current marketing year. On the crucial front of payments, the government has adopted a proactive approach. Rs 5,569.97 crore has already been disbursed to the farmers for their produce, underscoring the state's commitment to a responsible and balanced payment system.
Millet Procurement Witnesses Remarkable Growth
Alongside paddy, the procurement of millets has seen an even more dramatic surge, showcasing the success of the government's focus on nutri-cereals. In the 2025-26 season, procurement has soared to 172,109.30 metric tons, which is more than double the 81,058.91 metric tons procured last year.
The number of millet farmers selling their produce has also risen sharply. This year, 41,568 farmers have participated, compared to just 15,096 in the previous season. This exponential growth highlights the expanding benefits of the procurement system to a wider range of agricultural communities.
The state government spokesperson concluded that the increased figures are a direct result of the trust and simplified procedures established by the administration. The enhanced online infrastructure and focus on efficient dispatch systems are creating a more transparent and farmer-friendly ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh's agricultural sector.
