Konaseema District Expecting 5.86 Lakh Metric Tonnes of Paddy Output
Farmers assured timely payments, fair price as 5.86 lakh tonnes expected from 1.64 lakh acres
Kakinada: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district is expecting an estimated output of 5,86,616 metric tonnes of paddy from 1,64,854 acres on which the crop had been grown during the Rabi season in the district.
Farmers of the Konaseema district, like their counterparts in East Godavari and Kakinada districts, have started harvesting their crop.
In Konaseema district, government officials have fixed a target to procure 2 lakh metric tonnes of paddy for custom milling.
The state government has decided to purchase paddy up to 17 per cent moisture content at Rs 2,320 per quintal and Rs 1,740 per 75 kilos of Grade A variety of paddy. For the common variety of paddy, it will pay Rs 2,300 per quintal and Rs 1,725 per 75 kilos of bag.
Konaseema administration has deployed 920 personnel, including 141 custodian officers at the 279 Rythu Seva Centres in the district.
Konaseema district collector R. Mahesh Kumar said while the government is going to procure 2 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, farmers need not worry about selling their crop in the open market, as the government will ensure that they get a good price in the open market.
The collector disclosed that following a discussion among ministers, the state government has decided to increase the procurement target further. He requested farmers to contact their respective Paddy Purchasing Centre officials if they have any problems in selling their crop. They can also contact the Command Control Room.
Mahesh Kumar reiterated that the amount payable to farmers for the paddy procured from them will be credited directly into their bank accounts within 24 hours of the procurement. He asked farmers not to come under pressure and sell their crop to mediators, who may cheat them.
Further, the collector requested rice millers to purchase paddy from farmers at an amount higher than that fixed by the government.