Lucknow: The state govt will start purchasing wheat from farmers across Uttar Pradesh from Monday, with the procurement continuing till June 15.The govt has set a target of 50 lakh metric tonnes, with wheat to be bought at a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 2,585 per quintal, Rs 160 higher than last year. A senior official said over 2.24 lakh farmers have registered so far.According to officials, govt will set up 6,500 procurement centres through eight agencies, including the Food Department’s marketing branch. Of these, 3,574 centres are already operational and will function from 9am to 6pm.Farmers will also receive Rs 20 per quintal for handling and cleaning. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to ensure basic facilities such as shade, drinking water and seating at centres.The govt has increased the procurement target from 30 lakh to 50 lakh metric tonnes. Payments will be made within 48 hours through DBT, and the process has been made fully online to prevent middlemen.Farmers must register on fcs.up.gov.in or the ‘UP Kisan Mitra app’ to sell wheat. In case of any issues, they can call the toll-free number 18001800150.
