The Indian government has set the rice procurement target at 46.35 mt from the farmers during the current kharif season. However, the last year’s purchase was around 47.6 mt from the kharif season 2024, as the target was about 51.16mt.
Paddy procurement was fixed at 46.35 mt
On Monday, September 1, the Department of Food and Public Distribution held talks with food secretaries of states and Union Territories, where the Food Corporation of India were also present. They discussed the arrangements for the procurement of crops in the upcoming Kharif season 2025-26, which begins in October. According to the statement by the food ministry, the estimates for paddy procurement (kharif Crop) were fixed at 46.35 million tonnes in terms of rice, and the target of procurement for coarse grains /millets has been fixed at 1.92 mt during the approaching KMS 2025-26.
Suggestion on the Procurement of Millets
It seems difficult for the Government to dispose of the excess stock of rice as it requires 41 mt annually for its different schemes. Total rice procurement from both kharif and rabi seasons was recorded to be 54.52 mt in the 11 months between October 2024 and August 2025. But the target was to buy 58.48 mt in the entire 2024-25 season.
Now, States have been suggested to focus on the procurement of millets for diversification of crops and improved nutrition in dietary patterns, the government said. No details were available about much quantity to be purchased from which state. According to the sources, the procurement estimate may be revised once the production estimate is released by the agriculture ministry, as many parts of the country have been affected due to excessive rainfall and floods, which have damaged the paddy crop. Particularly, Punjab, currently witnessing floods, may not be able to procure the same quantity due to crop damage. The state has contributed the highest 11.61 mt of rice to the Central Pool in 2024-25.