Ludhiana: Paddy procurement by the govt started in grain markets of the district, including Khanna, considered to be the largest in Asia, on Thursday. However, the farmers’ zeal was dampened by problems of moisture. Many farmers in Khanna came with moisture content exceeding the govt set limit of 17% in their produce. Govt procurement of paddy started in Khanna grain market on Wednesday.On the first day, around 7,100 quintals of paddy was procured. Sources said govt procurement of the crop was comparatively less this time due to high moisture content. In Khanna grain market, the first paddy stock was procured from farmer Gurpreet Singh of Salana village at the MSP of Rs 2,461 per quintal.An arhitya at Khanna grain market said procurement of basmati has been going on for the last few days because basmati is procured by traders. On Wednesday, procurement of Parmal paddy started. In Khanna, the purchase was formally launched by Arhitya Association president Harbans Singh Rosha, market committee chairman Jagtar Singh Gill Ratanheri, general secretary Yadwinder Singh Libra and market committee secretary Kamaldeep Singh Mann.According to the data received from the market committee, 7,100 quintals of paddy were purchased on Wednesday, out of which 3,800 quintals were purchased from the main market and 3,300 quintals were purchased from Rahon Mandi. Data indicated that from the main grain market in Khanna, Pungrain purchased 1,500 quintals, Markfed 800 quintals and Punsup 1,500 quintals. From Rahon Mandi, Pungrain purchased 1,000 quintals, Markfed 200 quintals, Punsup 1,500 quintals and Warehouse 600 quintals of paddy. Rosha said arrangements for procurement were in place and farmers would not face any inconvenience. He added that all the produce brought by farmers would be purchased on time and the farmers would also receive timely payments.
