UP sets 65 lakh-tonne paddy procurement target, promises 48-hour payments to farmers

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Manoj Pandey said comprehensive arrangements had been made to ensure farmers receive a fair price for their produce and that the procurement process remains transparent.Uttar Pradesh has set a target of procuring 65 lakh metric tonnes of paddy in the 2026-27 Kharif marketing seasonUttar Pradesh has set a target of procuring 65 lakh metric tonnes of paddy in the 2026-27 Kharif marketing season, aiming to surpass its previous record of 62 lakh metric tonnes. The state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has approved the new paddy procurement policy, with purchases to be carried out through 4,500 procurement centres across the state.Food and Civil Supplies Minister Manoj Pandey said comprehensive arrangements had been made to ensure farmers receive a fair price for their produce and that the procurement process remains transparent. Eight major government procurement agencies will operate the centres across Uttar Pradesh.The state had ranked first nationally after procuring a record 62 lakh metric tonnes of paddy in the previous year. The government has now set a higher target of 65 lakh metric tonnes for the upcoming season.PROCUREMENT IN WESTERN, EASTERN UPTaking into account geographical differences and variations in crop maturity, the government has divided the procurement schedule into two phases. In western Uttar Pradesh, procurement will run from October 15, 2026, to February 15, 2027. In eastern Uttar Pradesh, it will take place from November 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027.District magistrates will allocate procurement centres among the agencies concerned based on local paddy production and the expected arrival of produce.MSP INCREASED FOR COMMON, GRADE A PADDY Farmers will receive Rs 2,441 per quintal for common-grade paddy and Rs 2,461 per quintal for Grade A paddy during the procurement season.The rates follow an approximately 3 per cent increase in the minimum support price (MSP) announced by the central government.The procurement policy aims to ensure that farmers receive the stipulated support price for their produce.FARMER ID TO REMOVE SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTThe government has introduced a digital facility to simplify the procurement process. Farmers who already have a Farmer ID under the central government's AgriStack initiative will not need to register separately on the state department's online portal.Their identity will be used to facilitate direct weighing of their paddy at procurement centres, reducing the need for an additional registration process.PAYMENT WITHIN 48 HOURS, GPS TRACKING FOR TRANSPORTThe government has directed that payments for procured paddy be transferred directly to farmers' bank accounts within 48 hours of verification through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS).Officials and employees responsible for unnecessary delays in payments have been warned of strict action.To prevent irregularities during transportation, paddies will be moved only in vehicles equipped with GPS tracking systems. The measure is intended to improve monitoring of the movement of produce during procurement.The government will also introduce QR-code tracking of rice bags in selected districts as part of a pilot project. The system is expected to help monitor the bags and improve transparency in the procurement and supply process.To prevent packaging-related problems during procurement, the government has directed officials to ensure arrangements for a total of 12.25 lakh bags.The measures form part of the state's broader procurement plan for the 2026-27 Kharif marketing season, which seeks to increase the quantity of paddy purchased while ensuring timely payments and greater transparency.- Ends