Punjab, Haryana on course to meet paddy collection target

The annual paddy procurement operations in Punjab and Haryana, known as the "food bowls of India," are in full swing for the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25, with the Union Government reaffirming its commitment to meet the procurement targets.

- NEERAJ MOHAN CHANDIGARH

Despite initial delays due to heavy September rainfall and higher moisture content in harvested paddy, both states are on track to meet their procurement estimates of 185 lakh tonnes (LT) for Punjab and 60 LT for Haryana by the stipulated deadlines-November 30 for Punjab and November 15 for Haryana.

As of October 29, 2024, Punjab has procured 67 LT of paddy, representing 80% of the 84 LT procured by the same date last year. Meanwhile, Haryana has procured 45 LT of paddy, about 87% of the 52 LT procured last year, the Union government claimed in a statement issued on Wednesday.