JAMMU, OCTOBER 17: Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta today inaugurated the Paddy Procurement Mandi (Registration-cum-Facilitation Centre) at Udheywala for the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2025–26.
The inaugural programme was attended by Chief Agriculture Officer Jammu Manohar Lal Sharma, officers from the Agriculture Department, representatives of FCI and a large number of farmers from the area.
During the visit, the Director Agriculture inspected the preparedness of the procurement mandi and interacted with the farmers. He listened to farmers issues and directed the field staff to ensure that no farmer faces any inconvenience during the procurement process. He also emphasized the need for on-the-spot registration of farmers and instructed that ID generation for farmers must be smooth and hassle free.
The Director Agriculture further directed field officers to intensify awareness campaigns about procurement mandis through panchayat-level groups, posters, banners and social media platforms, so that farmers are well informed about mandi operations.
The Director also instructed the Chief Agriculture Officer, Jammu, to appoint SMS-level officers for effective supervision at procurement mandis and to conduct joint inspections of the mandi sites along with FCI officials. He stressed the need for timely processing of bills to ensure prompt payment to farmers.
Discussions were also held on the provision of uniform cleaning charges, timely supply of gunny bags and adequate logistical support at the procurement centres through effective coordination between FCI and the Agriculture Department.
For the current Kharif season, a total of 26 Paddy Procurement Centres will be operational across Jammu, Kathua, and Samba districts to facilitate smooth procurement operations. The Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been notified as ₹2,389 per quintal for Grade A paddy and ₹2,369 per quintal for Common Grade paddy with cleaning charges fixed at ₹50 per quintal.
Among others present on the occasion included Divya Sharma (Quality Inspector, FCI); Sanjeev Khajuria (I/c Procurement Cell, DoAJ); Suman Koul (I/c AEO, Pouni Chak); Surinder Radotra (I/c JAEO)’; Madhu Rani (I/c JAEO); Abid Hussain Shah (AEA); Anshu Banotra (AEA) and staff members of Sub-Division Marh.
