Buy paddy only from small and marginal farmers, says CACP report

Report also suggests that farmers should grow more oilseeds and pulses

To manage surplus rice stocks in state warehouses, the Commission for Agriculture Costs and Prices (CACP), in its latest price policy report for the 2022-23 kharif season, has advocated paddy procurement from only small and marginal farmers. For the rest of the farmers, the commission said procurement could be limited to the surplus emanating from two hectares.

“This would entail sufficient stocks for maintaining food security and protect the interests of more than 90 per cent of farmers,” the CACP said.

Though advisory in nature, the recommendations, if adhered to, could bring about a change in the manner in which foodgrain is