In the ongoing KMS, the purchase of over 702LMT of paddy has been made up to February 20.
Over 96 lakh farmers have already benefitted from the ongoing KMS procurement operations with an MSP outflow of Rs 1,45,845 crores with the transfer of payments directly into farmers’ accounts, the ministry said.
All arrangements are in place for hassle-free procurement operations.
Rice delivery against the procured paddy is around 218 LMT in the Central Pool up to February 20.
Adequate rice stock is currently available in the Central Pool for meeting the requirements of the country, the ministry said.
“For Kharif crop of current KMS 2022-23, a quantity of 765.43 LMT paddy (514 LMT in terms of Rice) has been estimated to be procured as against 749 LMT paddy (503 LMT in terms of Rice) actually procured during last KMS 2021-22 (Kharif Crop),” it said.
The estimated procurement of paddy for the Rabi crop of KMS 2022-23 is going to be finalized in the forthcoming Food Secretaries’ meeting to be held on March 1.
With the inclusion of the Rabi crop, it is expected that around 900 LMT paddy may be procured during the entire KMS 2022-23.