KATHMANDU: The government is set to purchase paddy worth Rs 675 million in the current fiscal year 2083/84. Following initiatives by Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment Gita Chaudhary, the ministry has decided to procure the grain based on a scientifically determined minimum support price.
The government plans to purchase 15,000 metric tonnes of paddy at the set minimum support price. As the procurement process falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Minister Chaudhary has requested coordination to expedite the purchase.
For the fiscal year 2083/84, the minimum support price has been set at Rs 3,660 per quintal for coarse paddy and Rs 3,860 per quintal for medium paddy. Minister Chaudhary is actively coordinating with the relevant authorities to ensure the implementation of these prices.
The Ministry of Industry plans to initiate the procurement process between the Dashain and Tihar festivals. Minister Chaudhary expects that purchasing paddy at the government-mandated minimum support price will ensure fair returns for farmers and reduce market price uncertainty.
