The State government has so far purchased about 34.94 lakh tonnes from farmers.

The procurement of paddy during the ongoing Yasangi (Rabi) season has picked up pace despite the 10-day lockdown imposed by the State government on Wednesday.

Against the target of 94.81 lakh tonnes of paddy, the State government has so far purchased about 34.94 lakh tonnes from farmers since the procurement commenced on April 6 this season. The State government has already issued orders exempting activities of agriculture and allied sectors from the lockdown due to which paddy procurement is continuing unabated.

Thanks to the completion of some key irrigation projects, including the prestigious Kaleswaram Lift Irrigation Scheme and uninterrupted electricity supply, the State has emerged as the rice bowl of the nation within a short span of time. With record cultivation of paddy in nearly 52.76 lakh acre in the ongoing Yasangi season, the State expects a yield of more than 1.38 crore tonnes, the highest for the season since State formation seven years ago.

Of the total paddy yield of 1.38 crore tonnes this season, about 1.17 crore tonnes will be coarse variety and another 21 lakh tonnes will be fine variety. The State government had set a target of purchasing about 94 lakh tonnes which will be supplied to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and also cater to the needs of the State government’s rice distribution programmes including free rice to private teachers and others during the Covid-19 pandemic. The remaining paddy is expected to be purchased by millers and seed companies.