India, Feb. 17 -- As much as 52.47 lakh metric tons (LMT) of paddy has been purchased from 7.82 lakh farmers, with a payment of Rs.11,170.55 crore made to date, even as procurement in eastern UP is ongoing, according to a government spokesman.

"Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a meeting to review the progress of paddy procurement for the 2023-24 Kharif season here on Saturday. He emphasised that the welfare of farmers is the government's foremost priority, and strict action will be taken against any negligence in paddy procurement," the spokesman said.

A total of 5,206 procurement centres have been established, with 10,45,946 farmers registering online for paddy sales. "Rice mills are being automated for paddy transportation from pro...