India, being one of the largest producers and consumers of rice in the world, has always been focused on increasing its procurement of this staple food grain. In the recent years, the country has made significant strides in this direction, with the government setting ambitious targets for rice procurement from both kharif and rabi seasons. However, the latest figures released by the Ministry of Agriculture have shown that the total rice procurement for the 2024-25 season has fallen short of the target.
According to the data, the total rice procurement from both kharif and rabi seasons was reported to be 54.52 million tonnes (mt) in the 11 months period between October 2024 and August 2025. This is a significant increase from the previous year’s procurement of 45.87 mt in the same period. However, it falls short of the target of 58.48 mt set by the government for the entire 2024-25 season.
This news may come as a disappointment to many, especially in the wake of the government’s efforts to boost rice production and procurement in the country. However, it is important to note that the increase in procurement from the previous year is a positive sign and shows the government’s commitment towards achieving self-sufficiency in rice production.
One of the major reasons for the shortfall in procurement can be attributed to the adverse weather conditions that affected the kharif season in 2024. The country witnessed heavy rainfall and floods in many parts, leading to a decrease in rice production. This, in turn, affected the procurement targets set by the government.
Despite these challenges, the government has taken several measures to ensure that the procurement process runs smoothly. The procurement of rice is done through the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state agencies, who are responsible for purchasing rice from farmers at the minimum support price (MSP). The government has also increased the MSP for paddy, the main crop used for rice production, to provide better returns to farmers and encourage them to produce more.
Moreover, the government has also introduced the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme for rice procurement, which has helped in streamlining the process and ensuring timely payments to farmers. Under this scheme, the MSP amount is directly transferred to the farmers’ bank accounts, eliminating the middlemen and reducing the chances of corruption.
The government has also been promoting the use of technology in the procurement process. The FCI has introduced an online procurement system, which has made the process more transparent and efficient. This has also helped in reducing the time taken for procurement and ensuring that farmers receive their payments on time.
Despite the challenges faced, the government’s efforts have resulted in a significant increase in rice procurement from the previous year. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our farmers, who have continued to produce rice even in adverse conditions. It is also a reflection of the government’s commitment towards achieving self-sufficiency in rice production and ensuring food security for the country.
Moving forward, it is important for the government to continue its efforts and work towards achieving the target of 58.48 mt for the entire 2024-25 season. This can be done by providing better infrastructure and facilities to farmers, promoting the use of advanced farming techniques, and ensuring timely procurement and payments.
In conclusion, while the total rice procurement for the 2024-25 season may have fallen short of the target, it is important to focus on the positive aspects and the progress made so far. The increase in procurement from the previous year is a step in the right direction and with continued efforts, India can achieve its goal of self-sufficiency in rice production. Let us all work together towards a brighter and more prosperous future for our farmers and our country.
