Punjab, Haryana eyeing 166 LT paddy purchase this season

Chandigarh, Sept 30. As paddy procurement starts tomorrow, Punjab and Haryana are eyeing to purchase 166 lakh tonnes (LT) of the crop for central pool for kharif marketing season 2013-14. To ensure hassle free payment to farmers, the two states for the first time have decided to make payment to farmers for their produce directly, though it will be optional for paddy growers to avail new payment system. Though Punjab has made an arrangement of procuring 150 LT of paddy, but it is expected that 130 LT of paddy would arrive in grain markets. "Arrangement for purchasing 150 LT of paddy has been made but we expect the arrival will be 130 LT," a senior official of FCI. Last season, around 127 LT of paddy was procured from Punjab. Paddy procurement for central pool in Punjab and Haryana starts from October 1. In neighboruing states of Haryana, the paddy procurement is expected at 36 lakh tonne, as against 38.53 LT bought in last season, FCI official said. "Because of shift in area under paddy to other crops, arrival of paddy may be lower this year. Arrangement for procuring 36 LT has been made for the new procurement season," said an official of FCI (Haryana). In addition to it, 16 LT of basmati variety of paddy is expected to arrive in Haryana, official said. The major highlight of the new procurement season will be the direct payment to farmers to be made by the procurement agencies as both states are giving an option to growers to receive their payment directly into their bank accounts. With direct payment, growers need not to depend upon commission agents for getting their payment and wait for their dues. "They can receive their payment in to their bank accounts," an official of Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board. Punjab has asked it farmers to get themselves registered with state Mandi Board for availing direct payment facility. "Farmers are required to first get themselves registered with us for availing direct payment system. Once farmer is registered, he will get payment directly into their bank accounts, " official of Punjab Mandi Board said. Though official said it would take time before the direct payment system gets popular among farmers. In Haryana, the State Agricultural Marketing Board has proposed to tie up with 18 banks to roll out direct payment system for farmers. Under this scheme, co-branded debit cards fitted with chips would be issued to farmers who could get their payment in their banks accounts after they sell their produce in grain markets. "This new system will bring transparency in purchase and sale of produce," official said. Under the traditional payment system, first commission agents better known as 'Arthiyas' get payment for the produce and thereafter, the money was given to growers. FCI officials claimed that stock position was quite comfortable this year, saying that storage capacities have been boosted by building up of new storage capacities in both states.