The government has procured paddy worth Rs 1.08 lakh crore thus far in this kharif marketing season  (KMS) at the minimum support price (MSP) amid farmers' protest at various Delhi borders. The kharif marketing season stars from October.

"In the ongoing Kharif Marketing Season 2020-21, Government continues to procure Kharif 2020-21 crops at Minimum Support price from farmers as per existing schemes," the Food Ministry said in a statement.

Notably, the Food Corporation of India and other state agencies have procured 575.36 lakh tonne till January 20, an increase of 23.41 percent from 466.22 lakh tonne in the corresponding period of the previous marketing year. "About 82.08 lakh farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing kharif marketing season procurement operations with Minimum Support price value of Rs 1,08,629.27 crore," the statement said.

Out of the total purchase of 575.36 lakh tonne, Punjab has contributed 202.77 lakh tonne.

Close Thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, are protesting at various border points of the national capital, seeking repeal of the three new farm laws and a legal guarantee for Minimum Support price.

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