The number of farmers, State-wise, who have been benefitted from the paddy procurement at MSP for Central Pool during KMS 2022-23 is at Annexure-I.

Procurement depends not only upon production but also upon other multiple factors like marketable surplus, MSP, prevailing market rate, demand & supply situation and participation of private traders etc.

Details of paddy procurement for last 5 years is at Annexure-II.

The following steps are taken to improve paddy procurement in the country:

(i)         The estimates for procurement of paddy are finalized by Government of India in consultation with State Governments and FCI, before the commencement of each marketing season based upon estimated production, marketable surplus and agricultural crop pattern.

(ii)      Procurement centres are opened by respective State Government Agencies/ FCI taking into account the production, marketable surplus, convenience of farmers and availability of other logistics / infrastructure such as storage and transportation etc. Large number of temporary purchase centres in addition to the existing Mandis and depots/godowns have also been established at key points for the convenience of the farmers.

(iii)      Farmers are made aware of the quality specifications and purchase system etc. to facilitate them to bring their produce conforming to the specifications.

(iv)      FCI and all the procuring States have developed their own Online Procurement System to ensure transparency and convenience to the farmers through proper registration and monitoring of actual procurement.

(v)        Through e-procurement module deployed by procuring agencies, farmers get latest/updated information regarding MSP declared, nearest purchase centre, date on which the farmer has to bring his produce to the purchase centre etc. This facilitates delivery of stock by the farmers and enables them to deliver stock conveniently in the mandi.

(vi)       “One Nation, One MSP through DBT” implemented across the country from RMS 2021-22 onwards. Payment of MSP has been ensured directly into farmers' account. DBT eliminated fictitious farmers and reduced the diversion and duplication of payment as payment is being made directly to farmer's bank account. DBT of MSP has brought in responsibility, transparency, real time monitoring and reduction in pilferage in the system.

Annexure-I

Annexure-II

This information was given by the Minister of State for Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ms. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in a written reply today in the Lok Sabha.

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