Traders share in paddy procurement falls in Punjab

Chandigarh, Nov 1 (UNI) The ban imposed by the central government on export of non-Basmati rice has led to a sharp decline in the procurement of paddy by millers or grain traders in Punjab this year.

The procurement share of the millers has declined to a mere 7.3 per cent this season as against 17.9 per cent on October 31 last year.

Out of the estimated 112.76 lakh paddy procured in Punjab till yesterday evening, the millers accounted for just 8,23,420 tonnes, official figures released here today stated.

The six procurement agencies share in paddy procurement this rose to record 10,453,388 tonnes (92.7 per cent) due to the ban on export of non-Basmati rice as against 82.1 per cent last year.

The market share of the agencies in the procurement pie would be quite high due to bumper crop this year and steep decline of traders share due to the ban.

The Punjab government has made it clear that it would procure every single grain of paddy brought by farmers to 'mandis' and make the payments within 48 hours.

MORE UNI HS MP BST1843