Punjab is expecting to procure a record 182 lakh tonnes of paddy during the ongoing Kharif marketing season.

“last year, we procured 168 lakh tonnes of paddy. This year, we are targeting 182 lakh tonnes and we might cross this figure,” Punjab Food secretary KAP Sinha saidon Monday.

Addressing a Press conference, he said it was going to be an all-time high paddy purchase in the state. In the ongoing Kharif marketing season, the government agencies procured bulk of the paddy crop.

So far, a total of 123.98 lakh tonnes of paddy has been purchased in the state. Of which, 2.26 lakh tonnes has been bought by private millers, said Sinha. “This time because of good weather, crop being free from any kind of problems associated with it, the quality is so good. Nowhere we have come across any problem where somebody has said procurement is not being done,” said Sinha.

“We are ensuring payment to farmers within 24 hours while within 72 hours, the lifting is being done,” he said while describing the paddy procurement for the central pool as “massive economic exercise” being conducted smoothly in the state.

He said 7.79 lakh farmers are getting benefit from the purchase of crop at MSP.

Talking about cash credit limit, Sinha said the state government had proposed a sum of Rs 33,800 crore for the purchase of paddy during the current Kharif marketing season.

“We have got Rs 28,000 crore sanctioned and of which Rs 16,000 crore has been exhausted. The CCl (cash credit limit) is valid till October 31 and we have already submitted a proposal with the government of India and RBI for authoristaion of its renewal,” he said.