Guwahati: For the first time the Union government has decided to procure 10 lakh metric tonnes (MT) paddy from the farmers of Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in the Assembly today during a discussion on paddy procurement in the State. Sarma said the Union government has already instructed the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to start the paddy procurement and under the new system, the payment against procurement of paddy will be directly made to the bank accounts of farmers.

Moreover, in order to make the paddy procurement process successful. Assam needs more rice mills and warehouses, Sarma said. "The State government has already taken an initiative to set up rice mills and warehouses across the State," he added.

He also urged all legislators to give emphasis on setting up rice mills and warehouses in their respective constituencies. "As per norms, FCI procures paddy only from the farmers having land documents. But in the case of Assam, there will be relaxation regarding the norms for this year. From next year, the norms will come into force again, " he said.

Replying to a question, Agriculture Minister Atul Bora said in the financial years 2017 18, 2018-19, and 2019-20 Assam produced 82,40,974 MT, 89,29,993 MT, and 81,21,528 MT of paddy, respectively.

Bora also said that from this year, the entire paddy procurement process will be carried out through online mode.

Replying to another question, the minister said considering production and marketable surplus, the Government of Assam notified paddy procurement centers throughout the state.

The minister further informed that differ ent government agencies had procured a to tal of 1,51,390.05 MT paddy in 2018-19 against the target of 1,61,000 MT, 3,15,235.56 MT in 2019-20 against the target of 5,45,000 MT and 2,11,585.87 MT against the target of 7,04,029.28 MT in 2021-21.