Paddy procurement to begin soon

The impasse over procurement of the second crop paddy has eased with rice mill owners agreeing to cooperate with the Supplyco. The rice mills have agreed to collect the paddy procured by the Supplyco in all districts, except Palakkad.

However, in Palakkad, procurement will begin soon through cooperative societies, according to Minister for Food and Civil Supplies G.R. Anil.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier announced that the paddy procurement would be done through cooperative societies and prices would be supplied through cooperative banks.

Supplyco sources said that attempts were being made to disburse prices within two days of procuring the paddy in Palakkad. They said Supplyco was prepared to handle any crisis arising out of the new system of procurement.

In districts other than Palakkad, the new system would be implemented next year and the existing system will continue in those districts.