Paddy yield predicted as 7 lakh metric tonnes

-122 Paddy purchasing centers to be arranged
-Procurement to be started from soon

Srikakulam: Paddy yields are being predicted as more than 7 lakh metric tonnes across Srikakulam district during current kharif season. Paddy is being cultivated in an extent of more than 6 lakh acres in the district. As per officials estimation total paddy produce is being predicted as more than 7 lakh metric tonnes. To procure the produce civil supplies, district rural development agency (DRDA), integrated tribal development authority (ITDA), agricultural market committees (AMC) will procure paddy from the farmers through paddy purchasing centers (PPCs) every year. This time civil supplies officials have decided to arrange 122 PPCs across the district to procure paddy from farmers.
                                    
Paddy crop harvesting works started in Narasannapeta, Kotabommali, Tekkali, Palasa, Santhabommali, Etcherla, Ponduru, Amudalavalasa and other mandals. Paddy crop was harvested in ten percent extent of its cultivated area across the district so far. To prevent involvement of middlemen and traders in procurement of paddy PPCs need to arrange soon and officials have also initiated exercise to start procurement. ‘We are going to arrange 122 PPCs across the district in all mandals to procure the paddy locally’ district manager (DM) for civil supplies, V.Mohan Babu told The Hans India. This time we are going to adopt GPS technology in procurement, transporting of paddy to rice mills to prevent irregularities DM added.