New Delhi, Mar 3 (IANS): Around 713 LMT of paddy (Kharif crop) up to March 1 has been procured and the MSP outflow of Rs 1,46,960 crore has been transferred directly into farmers' account.

Consumer Affairs Ministry officials said that over one crore farmers have been benefited with the paddy procurement for KMS 2022-23 (Kharif crop).

As per the Ministry officials, all arrangements are in place for hassle-free procurement operations. Rice delivery against the procured paddy is also in progress and against the paddy procurement of 713 LMT, around 246 LMT rice has been received in the Central Pool up to March 1. Adequate rice stock is currently available in the Central Pool for meeting the requirements of the country.

For the Kharif crop of current KMS 2022-23, a quantity of about 766 LMT Paddy (514 LMT in terms of Rice) has been estimated to be procured.

For the Rabi crop of current KMS 2022-23, a quantity of about 158 LMT Paddy (106 LMT in terms of Rice) has been estimated to be procured. With the inclusion of Rabi crop, it is expected that around 900 LMT paddy may be procured during the entire KMS 2022-23, said the officials.