Saturday, 02 March 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Food and Civil Supply minister Rekha Arya instructed officials to ensure that all preparations for the purchase of the Rabi crop are completed by March 31. The procurement of the Rabi crop will begin on April 1 this year. She said this during a review meeting with the departmental officials here on Friday.
Arya stated that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat has been set at Rs 2,275 for this year, which is higher by Rs 150 compared to the last year. It has also been decided that wheat will be purchased through various agencies including the marketing branch of the Food department, UCF, NCCF, UPCU, NAFED and UKUSS. Further, a total of 265 purchase centres will be in operation this year, which represents an increase of 44 centres compared to last year, she said. The minister further informed that the target for the wheat crop this year is 50,000 metric tonnes. Additionally, she emphasised that when farmers sell their crops at the procurement centres, it must be ensured that they receive the payment within 72 hours. Further, she directed officials to promptly establish all procurement centres along with raising awareness about it. Arya further directed the officials to ensure basic facilities like drinking water, toilets and others at the centres to prevent any inconvenience for the farmers visiting the centres.
