Arrangements have been made for procurement through biometric devices in all procurement centres. Paddy produced by small, marginal and big farmers will be purchased at the prescribed support price. For this, the system of token application has been started from 7 November itself. In the procurement season, small and marginal farmers will be eligible for a maximum of 2 tokens and big farmers will be eligible for 3 tokens.
During the paddy procurement period from 14 November 2024 to 31 January 2025, farmers can bring their paddy to the procurement centers and sell it at the support price. Electronic weighing machines have been arranged for weighing at the procurement centers. Instructions have been given to lift paddy from the procurement centers through millers and transporters on time. Arrangements for adequate gunny bags, shade, water etc. have been ensured in all the procurement centers.
Helpline numbers have also been displayed at paddy procurement centres for complaints and redressal. A control room has also been set up at the marketing association headquarters level for grievance redressal, whose number is 0771-2425463. Markfed has arranged for timely payment of funds to farmers selling paddy. Arrangement of ‘Micro ATM’ is also being made in the committees for withdrawing funds, so that farmers get convenience. The amount will be transferred to the farmers’ bank account within 72 hours of the farmers selling paddy in the committee. On the instructions of Food Minister Mr. Baghel, a special action plan has been prepared in different divisions of the state by the state level team under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary to control paddy recycling bogus purchase.
Special monitoring arrangements have been made in the border areas of the state and check posts have been established. The Mandi Department has shared the list of authorized traders in the districts under the Mandi Act with the district administration. Re-verification of Girdawari Khasra is going on continuously through the mobile app prepared by NIC. Markfed will establish an Integrated Control Command Center at the state level and keep real time monitoring on rice mills and procurement centers.
At the state level, an investigation team of senior state level officials has been formed for different districts, which will continuously monitor the paddy procurement in the district. The departmental minister has directed that the state level teams will visit the allotted districts at least three times during procurement. Prompt action will be taken by the concerned officials on the complaints received and they will also be informed about the action taken.
