Jagran Correspondent, Etah. Despite purchasing paddy, maize and millet together from the farmers in the district, the target of purchasing maize could not be achieved. Even after December 31, the last date for maize procurement, the department lagged behind the target set by the government. Whereas the target of millet procurement has been achieved. Paddy procurement has also been less than the set target.
This time, to speed up grain procurement, the government had started the procurement process from November 1, whereas last year the procurement had started from November 15. Despite this, the procurement of maize and paddy in the district could not be achieved as per the target. The department was given a target of eight thousand quintals for the purchase of maize, but till the afternoon of the last day only six thousand quintals of maize could be purchased. In such a situation, it was not possible to fulfill the remaining target.
Farmers did not reach the required number of procurement centers with maize.
This time the government had fixed the minimum support price of Rs 2400 per quintal for the purchase of maize. Despite this, farmers did not reach the procurement centers with maize in the required number. On the contrary, the department performed better in the purchase of millet. The target of purchasing millet was set at one lakh 90 thousand quintals, which has been achieved. During this period, millet was purchased from about four thousand farmers.
The target of paddy procurement was fixed at 70 thousand quintals. In comparison, till December 31, only 63 thousand quintals of paddy could be purchased. Paddy has been purchased from about 800 farmers. A review is being done at the departmental level regarding purchases being less than the set target.
District Marketing Officer Subhash Chandra said that the center in-charges were instructed to procure grains as per the target. Wherever there has been shortfall in procurement, the reasons for the same are being reviewed. The department is trying to ensure that farmers get remunerative prices for their produce.