India, Oct. 22 -- Chandigarh

Punjab is heading towards a challenging paddy procurement season, with the state's expected production likely to exceed the procurement quota of 180 lakh tonne fixed by the Union ministry of consumer affairs, food and public distribution.

The state's total non-basmati paddy production - which is procured by government agencies for the public distribution system - is expected to exceed 220 lakh tonnes this season. Given the historical trend of around 90% of the total production reaching mandis for procurement, the quantity arriving in the markets could surpass the Centre's approved quota, putting pressure on the state's procurement machinery and finances.

"The procurement scenario seems tougher this season, ...