DM Patna Directs Acceleration of Paddy Procurement Process, Ensures Strict Monitoring

Patna: A Paddy Procurement Task Force meeting was held under the chairmanship of District Magistrate Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh, where the progress of paddy procurement for the Kharif marketing season 2024-25 was reviewed. The DM emphasized expediting the procurement process, ensuring that farmers face no difficulty in selling their produce. He directed officials to activate all selected PACS and Vyapar Mandals within 24 hours and proposed tagging non-functional or defaulter committees with the nearest active ones to maintain a smooth procurement system.

According to the District Cooperative Officer, there are 256 selected PACS and Vyapar Mandals in Patna district, of which 229 are active. A total of 42,490 farmers have registered online for paddy sale, including 18,009 Rayat farmers and 24,481 non-Rayat farmers. The district’s total paddy production stands at 7,09,628.17 metric tonnes, with a purchase target of 2,04,865 metric tonnes. So far, 13,548 metric tonnes of paddy have been procured from 1,677 registered farmers through active committees, amounting to Rs. 16,61,86,652.25 paid to 854 farmers. The price of paddy is fixed at Rs. 2,300 per quintal, and Rs. 31,16,24,746 remains payable.

The DM directed weekly reviews of procurement progress and field inspections to monitor the quality of work. Strict action will be taken against any laxity, negligence, or irregularities. The approved committees were instructed to promptly receive cash credit limits from Patliputra Co-operative Bank, Patna, ensuring uninterrupted operations. Sub-Divisional Officers were tasked with overseeing quality procurement and ensuring adherence to departmental guidelines at purchase centers.

The DM reiterated that paddy should only be purchased from registered farmers and warned against middlemen’s involvement. He directed nodal officers to inspect purchase centers three days a week, interact with farmers, and submit regular reports. Immediate tagging of PACS with mills and prompt proposals for mill tagging were ordered to maintain steady CMR supplies.

The District Magistrate emphasized the need to expedite payment processes for farmers. Pending payments were instructed to be cleared within 48 hours through PFMS by Patliputra Co-operative Bank, and under no circumstances should farmers face delays in receiving their dues. Sub-divisional and cooperative officers were directed to ensure rapid progress in procurement as per targets during subdivision-wise visits.

Daily reporting of procurement progress was mandated through a mobile app, with the District Cooperative Officer tasked with consolidating and submitting reports to the District Supply Office. Entry of selected committees on the PCSAP portal was also to be ensured. The DM urged all officers involved to remain alert and proactive in achieving the procurement goals for the district.