Belbari, June 26 -- Farmers in Morang are receiving more than the government-set minimum support price for this season's spring paddy after a private rice mill offered a higher procurement rate, giving growers better returns as they harvest the crop.

Arju Rice Mill, based in Dangihat of Belbari Municipality-9, has fixed its procurement price for spring paddy at Rs28.97 per kilogramme, 39 paisa higher than the government's recently announced minimum support price of Rs28.58 per kilogramme for paddy with 25 percent moisture content.

The move has been welcomed by farmers, who say better prices have boosted their confidence despite persistent concerns over market stability and government procurement.

The mill had announced indicative price...