Paddy procurement picks up in Punjab

Chandigarh, Oct 4 (UNI) Paddy procurement in Punjab picked up with government agencies and millers procuring 17,60,568 tonnes of paddy till last evening.

According to an official spokesman, the government agencies had procured 12,58,984 tonnes of paddy, that is 71.5 per cent of the total procurement. Private traders or miller had purchased 5,01,584 tonnes (28.5 per cent).

Pungrain had procured 2,50,002 tonnes (19.9 per cent) whereas Markfed procured 2,84,669 tonnes (22.6 per cent). Punsup procured 3,29,170 tonnes (26.1 per cent) , PSWC purchased 2,23,508 tonnes (17.8 per cent ), PAIC 53,067 tonnes and FCI had procured 18,568 tonnes (1.5 per cent).

The spokesman added that Ferozepur district with 4,79,594 tonnes was at the top in the procurement figures followed by Taran Tarn with 1,80,516 tonnes.

The State Government has set up 1544 procurement centres and activated its machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy, the spokesman added.

UNI