Gadwal: District Collector B.M. Santosh has urged officials to speed up the paddy procurement process. During an inspection of the paddy procurement center managed by IKP in Konder village, Itikyala Mandal, on Wednesday, he reviewed the operations alongside Additional Collector Narsing Rao.
The Collector examined the procedures at the center and instructed staff to ensure the procured paddy is weighed accurately and transported to rice mills without delay. He also emphasized the importance of recording all data promptly and checked the records related to procurement. The Collector inquired about the details of the paddy arriving at the center to ensure proper management.
He directed officials to prepare daily reports showing the quantity of paddy collected from each farmer and maintain a complete database. Using a digital moisture meter, the Collector personally tested the paddy’s moisture content, stating that paddy with up to 17% moisture should be purchased at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and immediately sent to the mills.
The District Collector also instructed that all data related to paddy procurement must be updated in the OPMS (Online Procurement Management System) within 24 hours. He stressed that the physical records should match the online data. To ensure smooth operations and avoid inconvenience to farmers, he tasked the Additional DRDO with monitoring all procurement centers closely.
The government has set the Minimum Support Price for paddy at ₹2,320 per quintal, along with an additional bonus of ₹500 for Grade-B paddy. Officials were directed to ensure that no procured paddy remains in storage and that it is promptly transported to the rice mills.
The program was attended by Additional DRDO Narasimhulu, other concerned officials, and several farmers, who were present to oversee and participate in the process.
