UP Cabinet Approves Major Paddy and Coarse Grains Procurement Policy: Target Set for 6.5 Million

By Akanksha Mishra 2026-10-09 18:30:27

In a major pro-farmer decision ahead of the Kharif marketing season, the Uttar Pradesh government under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has approved a comprehensive procurement policy for paddy and coarse grains. Finalized during a high-level cabinet meeting in Lucknow on Friday, October 9, 2026, the state has set an ambitious target of procuring 6.5 million metric tonnes of paddy while substantially boosting Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and support mechanisms for coarse grains.

Paddy Procurement Schedule and Targets

To ensure seamless execution and timely procurement across the state, the government has finalized distinct operational timelines and agency responsibilities:

Phased Procurement Rollout: Paddy procurement in Western Uttar Pradesh will officially commence on October 15 and run through February 15. In Eastern Uttar Pradesh, procurement will begin on November 1 and continue through February 28.
Massive Infrastructure Support: A total of 4,500 procurement centers will be established across the state, operated by eight designated agencies: PCF, PCU, UPSS, Mandi Parishad, FPO, FPC, NCCF, and NAFED.
Direct Farmer Payments: Ensuring complete financial transparency, farmers will receive their payments directly within 48 hours of selling their produce, channeled through bank accounts mapped with NPCI and linked to Aadhaar.

Boosting MSP and Targets for Coarse Grains

In addition to paddy, the Yogi Adityanath cabinet approved enhanced support prices and procurement targets for coarse grains to encourage crop diversification and bolster rural incomes:

Maize: The support price has been raised by ₹10 to ₹2,410 per quintal. The state has targeted procuring 15,000 tonnes of maize through 75 centers across 25 districts.
Pearl Millet (Bajra): The MSP has been increased to ₹2,900 per quintal (an increase of ₹125). A target of 2.20 lakh tonnes has been set across 300 centers in 33 districts.
Sorghum (Jowar): Hybrid Jowar support prices have been increased by ₹324 to ₹4,023 per quintal, while the Maldandi variety will fetch ₹4,073 per quintal, supported by 80 dedicated centers across 13 districts.

Transparent Online Registration and Verification

To eliminate intermediaries and streamline operations, farmers are required to complete online registration. Grain purchases will be processed following biometric verification via e-pop machines at procurement centers, verified against computerized land records, photo identification, and Aadhaar cards.