The state government on Thursday issued orders to the Civil Supplies department to decentralise the procurement of paddy from this kharif season onwards. The government agencies will directly purchase paddy from the farmers. This move is likely to remove the ‘middle men’ and ensure minimum support price to the farmers. The government will use the procured paddy in the public distribution system.
The direct involvement of government agencies in the procurement is likely to make the tribe of middlemen disappear and ensure that the farmers get correct prices. Also, the state government will have independence in procurement and do not have to depend on the middlemen for the fixture of the prices.
“The involvement of a large number of self help women groups in paddy purchase will also boost rural employment,” an official said. The AP State Civil Supplies Corporation will be procuring paddy crops during the kharif season. After the required quantity of paddy is used for the PDS, the surplus stock would be handed over to the FCI.