Over 1,000 paddy purchase centres opened in AP

Faced with protests by paddy farmers, the Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday said the state Civil Supplies Corporation and other agencies have opened 1,080 paddy purchase centres.

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has also opened 168 centres, officials said here.

So far 7,74,511 tonnes of paddy had been purchased by the state agencies during the current rabi season, compared to 2,12,775 tonnes procured during the corresponding period last year, they said.

The FCI has procured 1,29,969 tonnes of paddy during the season compared to 1,02,605 tonnes last year, they said.

The total quantity of paddy so far purchased by the government agencies is 9,04,480 tonnes against 3,25,380 tonnes on the corresponding day last year.

All arrangements have been made to procure paddy throughout the season at the MSP (minimum support price) of Rs 1,030 per quintal for Grade A and Rs 1,000 per quintal for common varieties, they said.