West Bengal government has set a target of procuring 45 lakh tonnes of paddy during kharif season this year and has already procured a record 35 lakh tonnes, an official said.
"We have already procured 35 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from farmers in this kharif season, which is a record.
"Our target is to procure 45 lakh metric tonnes ... The season is yet to be over, we are hopeful that the target will be achieved," Food and Supplies Principal Secretary Anil Verma told reporters after a review meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
A total of 35 lakh tonnes of paddy was procured from about 16 lakh farmers at a minimum support price of Rs 1,410 per quintal. The procured paddy was converted into rice and distributed under the PDS scheme, he said.
"The total subsidy borne by the state towards the Rajya Khadya Suraksha scheme is to the tune of Rs 6,000 crore," Verma said.
He further said the state in the last five years has created additional storage space of 5.16 lakh tonnes. Storage space for another 1.5 lakh tonnes is under construction.
"We have created additional storage space of 5.16 lakh metric tonnes in the last five years' time in the blocks and districts. And space for another 1.5 lakh metric tonnes is being constructed and will hopefully be ready in quick time," Verma added.
