Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, Sept, 15
The Directorate of Agriculture Jammu on Monday convened a meeting to discuss the preparedness for the Paddy Procurement Season, KMS 2026-27. Director Anil Gupta chaired the meeting attended by functionaries from the Agriculture Department and the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
The meeting was informed that FCI shall procure paddy directly from farmers through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring that payments are credited to farmers’ accounts within 72 hours at the notified Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 2,461 per quintal for Grade A paddy and Rs 2,441 per quintal for Common Grade paddy. An Aadhaar-based biometric authentication system will also be implemented at all procurement centres to eliminate intermediaries and further strengthen transparency in the procurement process.
It was further informed that the specifications for KMS 2026-27 will remain unchanged, while any necessary updates will be notified by FCI through its official portal. The meeting also discussed the provision of uniform cleaning charges, timely availability of gunny bags, labour arrangements and other logistical support at the procurement mandis.
“The number of Paddy Procurement Centres has been increased from 25 in the previous season to 27 during KMS 2026-27, with two additional centres established at Airwan and Mirpur Ram in District Kathua,” the meeting was told.
The FCI representatives informed the meeting that tenders for 27 procurement mandis—13 in Kathua, 12 in Jammu and 2 in Samba have been floated. The appointment of Mandi Labour Contractors (MLCs) will follow shortly.
The 27 Paddy Procurement Mandis established across the three districts include Bajwal, Jakbhar, Marheen, Sanjhi Morh, Channi Arorian, Palli Morh, Nagri Parole, Dungara/Mandli, Keerian, Mukundpur, Airwan, Dhanni-Bhagta and Mirpur Ram in Kathua district; Sohanjana, Gajansoo, Chanu Chak, Pargwal, Bishnah (R.S. Pura), Gurha Manasa, Jourian, Marh, Bhadrore, Arnia, Khour /Mattoo and Udheywala in Jammu district; and Ramgarh and Rajpura in Samba district.
The Director instructed the Chief Agriculture Officers of Jammu, Kathua and Samba to appoint SMSs and district-level officers for effective supervision of procurement mandis and to conduct joint inspections of mandi sites in coordination with FCI.
He further stressed the need for speedy processing of bills so that farmers receive their payments without delay. He directed the officers to maintain close coordination with FCI and ensure that all necessary arrangements are completed well before the commencement of procurement operations.
