PRAYAGRAJ, March 1 -- A record 2.88 lakh metric tonnes of paddy procurement against the target of 2.73 lakh metric tonnes (105% of the target) has been achieved in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj district this financial year, said district food and marketing officer Avinash Chandra Sagarwal. The procurement process commenced on November 1 last year and concluded on February 28 this year, he added.

During the same period last year, 2.73 lakh metric tonnes of paddy was procured, while in the financial year 2023-24, the figure stood at 2.10 lakh metric tonnes. The consistent increase in procurement highlights the district's growing efficiency and outreach among farmers, officials say.

According to Sagarwal, 177 procurement centres were establish...