In Amritsar 28% more paddy arrival at mandis this year, say officials.

A total of 3,85,351 MT of paddy have been procured by various government and private agencies in the district so far. Officials of the District Mandi Board said an increase of 28% had been noted in the arrival of paddy this season as compared to last year. Of the total purchase so far, the government agencies have procured 1,76, 006 MT while private agencies have procured around 2, 09, 345 MT. This year, around 3,86,709 MT of paddy arrived at mandis as compared to 3,05,972 MT, which had arrived last year. Officials attributed the increase to less sowing of basmati varieties and an increase in the area under the cultivation of paddy varieties. Pungrain had purchased 94, 983 MT of paddy, FCI 3,171 MT, Markfed 10,557 MT, Punsup 18, 838 MT, Warehouse 9,845 MT and Punjab Agro 16,513 MT.