Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri C.R. Chaudhary said, “There is no decline in the procurement of paddy in terms of rice during Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2018-19. The procurement of paddy in terms of rice during KMS 2018-19 (as on 12.12.2018) is 209.53 LMT, as compared to 191.84 LMT in KMS 2017-18 (as on 12.12.2017).
He made this statement in Lok Sabha and informed that, “No complaint of irregularities in procurement affecting farmers has come to the notice of Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India.”
Some methods are taken to ensure adequate procurement facilities, so that farmers are able to get minimum support price (MSP) for their produce.
Methods:
1. Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India (GOI) holds a consultative meeting with the officials of Food Corporation of India (FCI), State Governments and others to make an assessment of availability of wheat and paddy/rice for procurement at MSP based on the prospects of production and market situation. This meeting was held before the onset of each marketing season.
2. MSP operations are given wide publicity through pamphlets, banners, sign boards radio, TV and advertisements through print and electronic media.
3. Farmers are also made aware of the quality specifications and purchase system to facilitate the farmers to bring their produce conforming to the specifications.
4. Procurement centres are opened by State Government Agencies/Food Corporation of India (FCI), taking into account the production, marketable surplus, convenience of farmers and availability of other logistics /infrastructure such as storage and transportation.
5. Large number of temporary purchase centres including the existing Mandis and depots/godowns are also established at key points for the convenience of the farmers.
6. FCI and many State Governments have developed Online Systems for procurement.
