Early Times Report
KATHUA, Nov 1: Satish Kumar Sharma, Hon'ble MLA Billawar in presence of Sh. Anil Gupta, Director, Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Department, Jammu, and ADC Billawar, Sh. Vishavjeet Singh, today inaugurated the Paddy Procurement Mandi (Registration-cum-Facilitation Centre) at Damara, Billawar, District Kathua.
The initiative aims to ensure smooth, transparent, and hassle-free procurement of paddy from local farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 2,441 per quintal for Paddy (Common) and Rs 2,461 per quintal for Paddy (Grade-A), thereby ensuring fair, assured, and timely returns to farmers for their produce.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Satish Kumar Sharma reiterated the government's commitment to the welfare of farmers through improved procurement facilities, enhanced transparency, and timely disbursement of payments. He emphasized that such centres would play a significant role in strengthening the rural economy, reducing the role of middlemen, and empowering local farming communities by providing farmers with convenient access to procurement facilities.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Agriculture Jammu, Sh. Anil Gupta, highlighted that the Agriculture Department, in coordination with the Food Corporation of India (FCI), is committed to ensuring efficient procurement operations and timely payments to farmers. He directed the field officers to extend full support to farmers throughout the procurement process and ensure that no farmer faces any inconvenience.
Sh. Anil Gupta also urged farmers to make optimum use of the registration-cum-facilitation centres for proper documentation and speedy processing of their procurement claims. He further informed that awareness campaigns are being intensified through panchayat-level meetings, posters, and social media platforms to ensure that every farmer is well-informed about mandi operations, registration procedures, and the benefits of MSP-based procurement.
Among those present on the occasion were District Agriculture Officer, Kathua; SDAO, Billawar; Subject Matter Specialists; officers from the Food Corporation of India (FCI); and several local farmers, officers, and officials of the Agriculture Department. |
