The government has procured over 82.83 lakh tonnes of paddy and over 34.68 lakh tonnes of rice on March 6 this year. On the same day last year, 69 lakh tonnes of paddy and 33.97 lakh tonnes of rice were procured. The procurement of paddy were made through 1,760 purchase centres of the government agencies like FCI, AP State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd, and IKP and by the millers directly, the Civil Supplies department said in a release here today. Similarly, over 34.68 lakh tonnes of rice was procured by the FCI as on March 6 against 33.97 lakh tonnes procured in the corresponding day of last year. The farmers can deliver paddy to the government agencies and obtain the minimum support price of Rs 1,080 per quintal for Common and Rs 1,110 per quintal for Grade – A, the release said. The respected district Joint Collectors will open more paddy purchase centres wherever necessary to ensure that the farmers get MSP for paddy. If the farmers have any problem in getting the MSP, they can make a complaint to the toll free telephone no 18004 252977 and 18004 250092 for immediate enquiry and redressal of the grievance, the release added. UNI
