Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, Oct 18: Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal, MLA Ramgarh and former Minister for Health and Medical Education, J&K, along with Anil Gupta, Director, Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Department, Jammu, today jointly inaugurated the Paddy Procurement Mandi (Registration-cum-Facilitation Centre) at Ramgarh, in district Samba.
The initiative aims to ensure smooth and transparent procurement of paddy from local farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 2,369 per quintal for Paddy (Common) and Rs 2,389 per quintal for Paddy (Grade-A), thereby providing farmers with fair, assured, and timely returns for their produce.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Manyal reiterated the Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers through improved procurement facilities, enhanced transparency, and timely disbursement of payments. He emphasized that such centres will play a vital role in strengthening the rural economy, reducing the role of middlemen, and empowering local farming communities.
Dr. Manyal further informed that only a few days earlier, on October 14, 2025, he had inaugurated another Paddy Procurement Mandi at Rajpura.
With the establishment of two Paddy Mandis in the Ramgarh constituency, he noted that the long-standing demand of local farmers has been met, ensuring better accessibility and convenience for paddy procurement in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Agriculture Jammu, Anil Gupta, highlighted that the Agriculture Department, in coordination with the Food Corporation of India (FCI), is committed to ensuring efficient procurement operations and timely payments to farmers. He directed field officers to extend full support to farmers during the procurement process and to ensure that no farmer faces any inconvenience.
Anil Gupta also urged farmers to make use of the registration-cum-facilitation centres for smooth documentation and quick processing of their procurement claims. He added that awareness campaigns are being intensified through Panchayat-level meetings, posters, and social media so that every farmer is well-informed about Mandi operations and MSP benefits.
Among those present at the event were Rakesh Khajuria, Chief Agriculture Officer Samba; Sant Navneet Kumar Rana, Divisional Manager, FCI; Rohit Gandotra, SDAO Samba; Rakesh Pandit, Kissan president J&K etc.
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