Big Boost for Farmers: Centre Hikes Jammu Paddy Procurement Target to 60,000 MT
The Central Government has increased the paddy procurement target for Jammu from 36,000 MT to 60,000 MT for the 2026-27 season.
In a significant move to support the agricultural community in Jammu and Kashmir, the Central Government has approved a substantial increase in the Jammu paddy procurement target for the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2026-27. The procurement estimate for the Jammu Division has been raised from 36,000 metric tonnes (MT) to 60,000 MT.
A Response to Farmer Demands
The decision comes after Union Minister Jitendra Singh intervened on behalf of the farming community. According to Singh, the request for an enhancement was driven by persistent demands from farmers in Kathua and their elected representatives, who sought better procurement opportunities for their produce.
Taking these concerns to the higher authorities, Minister Singh approached the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi. Expressing his gratitude on social media, Singh thanked Minister Joshi for his prompt response and for issuing the necessary orders to facilitate the increase.
The Numbers Behind the Decision
The revised target marks a significant jump in the government's commitment to purchasing paddy from the region. By increasing the limit from 36,000 MT to 60,000 MT, the Centre has added an additional 24,000 MT to the procurement target for the 2026-27 season.
Confirming the approval in a formal letter to Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister Pralhad Joshi stated that the Department of Food & Public Distribution has officially conveyed the Government of India's approval for this enhancement specifically for the Jammu Division.
Focus on Regional Development
While announcing the news, Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the broader developmental trajectory of the Kathua region. He credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing several landmark Central projects to the area since 2014.
Singh emphasized that the government has consistently responded positively to demands made in the public interest, viewing this procurement hike as another step toward the empowerment and prosperity of the local farming community in Jammu and Kashmir.