SHIMLA: In a major relief for thousands of paddy growers in Himachal Pradesh, the state government has hiked the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy by ₹72 per quintal for the 2026-27 Kharif marketing season. With this revision, farmers will now receive ₹2,461 per quintal for their crop.
To ensure a smooth selling experience for farmers and eliminate middlemen, the state has finalized plans for direct government procurement. Payment for the purchased produce will be credited online directly into the farmers’ bank accounts within 48 hours of procurement.
Preparations Underway Across 4 Districts
The Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs has devised a comprehensive strategy to manage the Kharif 2026-27 procurement. Director of Food and Civil Supplies, Kumad Singh, chaired a high-level review meeting at the departmental directorate to assess readiness, farmer registrations, payment mechanisms, transportation, and storage facilities.
During the meeting, officials confirmed that direct procurement will be carried out across 11 designated government centers in four key paddy-producing districts, Kangra-Una-Solan-Sirmaur. “Procurement at these centers will start in early October. For the upcoming season, the state government has targeted buying 28,600 metric tonnes of paddy.”
Direct Selling at Authorized Centers Advised
Urging farmers to take full advantage of the revised rates, Director Kumad Singh advised paddy growers to sell their produce exclusively at government-authorized centers to ensure they receive the full MSP benefit.
“All necessary arrangements are being put in place to keep the procurement process transparent and hassle-free,” Singh stated. “Direct online transfers within 48 hours will ensure timely payments to the farmers while keeping the entire process clean and efficient.”
