2012 to be known for record wheat procurement

Bhopal: Year 2012 will be known for record procurement of wheat on support price from farmers in Madhya Pradesh. Record 85 lakh 6 thousand metric tonnes of wheat was procured during Rabi marketing season from March 15 to May 31. Under the most successful e-procurement system, farmers were invited to procurement centres for selling their produce through SMS. Payment against procurement of wheat was made to farmers within a week. Total payment of Rs. 11 thousand 780 crore was made for wheat procurement to 10 lakh 26 thousand farmers. The State Government also safely stored procured wheat before the onset of rainy season.
The successful e-procurement of wheat in Madhya Pradesh was lauded throughout the country. With bumper wheat production in year 2012, Madhya Pradesh also entered the category of states like Punjab and Haryana. The National Computer Society of India conferred “Nihilent Award” to Madhya Pradesh for best e-procurement system in the country. As many as 70 entries were received for this award. Madhya Pradesh was chosen from the six final entries for this award by a 20-member jury. During procurement process, arrangements for silo bags were also made apart from gunny bags.
A team of officers from Rajasthan visited Madhya Pradesh to study successful implementation of e-procurement in the state. Lauding the process, the team described Madhya Pradesh as role model for other states. In view of record production, the State Government felt the need for warehouses and therefore, announced its warehousing policy. Under the policy, every possible facility is being made available to investors.
Paddy and coarse cereals also procured
Following record procurement of wheat, e-procurement process was also started for paddy and coarse cereals. Registration of farmers for procurement of paddy and coarse cereals was undertaken from August 16 to September 15. Procurement of coarse cereals maize, millet, jowar etc started from October 1 and paddy from November 1, which will continue upto January 31, 2013. Ordinary paddy is being procured at the rate of Rs. 1350 per quintal including Rs. 100 per quintal bonus. Bonus amount was Rs. 50 per quintal last year, which has been doubled in the year 2012.
The State Government has taken initiative this year to make available Vanya salt in attractive packs to people in tribal dominated blocks. The scheme is benefiting 25 lakh 75 thousand families every month.