The state of Punjab has procured over 105 lakh tonnes (LT) of paddy this season, as per report compiled by food and supplies officials in the state, where procurement has started from October 1. Over 99.75 LT or 94.6% of the paddy arrival, have been procured by government agencies while the rest has been bought by private rice sellers and traders.
The procurement of paddy has crossed the 100 LT mark this year despite central agencies not buying the stock as some paddy produce arrived in discoloured form and higher moisture content due to erratic weather in recent months. The district of Sangrur, Patiala and Ludhiana were leading in paddy procurement.
Besides, in neighbouring Haryana state, nearly 36 LT of paddy have so far arrived in the various grain markets. Kurukshetra, Karnal and Fatehabad districts were leading in paddy arrivals.
