Paddy procurement begins in Punjab with 180 LMT target; Haryana too
Why in the news
Government purchase of kharif paddy started in Punjab on 1 October 2026, amid a shortage of storage space. Haryana had already opened procurement on 30 September 2026.
Key facts
- Punjab target: 180 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy through 1,886 procurement centres.
- Cash credit limit (CCL): ₹42,786.68 crore sanctioned by the Centre for Punjab.
- About 5 lakh bales of gunny bags were arranged in Punjab.
- Arhtiya commission: capped at ₹50.74 per quintal instead of 2.5% of MSP.
- Haryana: start brought forward from 1 October to 30 September; rain-driven high moisture held up purchases in many mandis.
| Paddy variety | MSP 2026-27 (₹/quintal) |
|---|---|
| Common | 2,441 (up ₹72 from 2,369) |
| Grade A | 2,461 |
About MSP for kharif crops
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved higher MSPs for 14 kharif crops for marketing season 2026-27 on 13 May 2026. Paddy bought at MSP feeds the central pool, and the CCL lets the state fund purchases before reimbursement.
Exam angle
- Common paddy MSP 2026-27: ₹2,441 per quintal.
- MSP is approved by the CCEA; covers 14 kharif crops.
- Punjab paddy target: 180 LMT.