The Yogi government is taking significant steps to enhance facilities for farmers in Uttar Pradesh, with preparations for the paddy procurement under the Kharif Marketing Year 2024-25 already underway. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is now focusing on upgrading the state’s paddy procurement centers with advanced technology to streamline the process and ensure that farmers receive the best possible support.
Under the directive of CM Yogi, the Food and Logistics Department will equip the procurement centers with internet connectivity, computers, laptops, iPads, and e-pop machines. These technological upgrades aim to make the procurement process more efficient and farmer-friendly. Paddy procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) will begin on October 1 in Western Uttar Pradesh and on November 1 in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Principal Secretary of the Food and Logistics Department, Alok Kumar, said that officers have been instructed to ensure the availability of all necessary equipment at the procurement centers before the procurement season begins. He stated that any operational difficulties must be resolved by September 15 in Western UP and by October 15 in Eastern UP. Additionally, arrangements for the availability of sacks, staff deployment, electronic weighing scales, moisture measuring machines, generators, and quality testing equipment are being prioritized to ensure smooth operations.
Notably, the Yogi government has given instructions to start purchasing paddy directly from farmers in Western UP from October 1 and in Eastern UP districts from November 1 under the Price Support Scheme. The Food and Logistics Department has already issued a timetable for these operations.
The Principal Secretary further informed that the officers have been directed to appoint handling contractors through e-tender and to appoint transport contractors through e-tendering for transportation in the given timeframe.With this, the government aims to utilize the best and most modern technology for paddy procurement, ensuring that farmers do not face any inconvenience and receive fair compensation for their crops.
