Paddy bonus for kharif season extended: Cabinet

New Delhi, Apr 19 (UNI) In a move aimed at augmenting foodgrains stocks in the central pool, the government today extended up to September 30 the period for the kharif season paddy bonus of Rs 40 a quintal in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

For Bihar and Kerala, the period stands extended till May 31, an official spokesperson told reporters.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The bonus is over and above the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 580 for common variety and Rs 610 for grade A of paddy. The bonus period was to have ended on March 31.

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