Current Affairs

Bihar Kharif Season Paddy Procurement Statistics

Source:hindustantimes ↗

Why It Matters

Important for BPSC aspirants tracking state economic updates, agricultural production statistics, and food procurement schemes in Bihar.

Summary

A report detailing the procurement of over 36 lakh metric tonnes of paddy during the Kharif season in Bihar, highlighting state agricultural statistics, food management, and implementation of Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanisms.

Key Points

  • Bihar minister announced that over 36 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of paddy has been procured in the state during the Kharif marketing season.
  • Paddy procurement plays a vital role in ensuring farmers receive the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and strengthens food security schemes in Bihar.
  • The state government coordinates procurement through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and cooperative structures.

Important Terms

Minimum Support Price (MSP)

An agricultural market intervention by the government guaranteeing a floor price to shield producers from sharp price drops and ensure food security.

UPSC context

BPSC General Studies Paper II (Indian Economy and Agriculture) — tests knowledge of agricultural pricing policies, farm distress, and food management.

Source
Kharif marketing season procurement

The operational period during which state agencies procure monsoon-harvested crops like paddy directly from farmers at government-mandated support prices.

UPSC context

BPSC Prelims and Mains (Bihar Economy/Agriculture) — evaluates understanding of state procurement targets, PACS role, and grain management.

Source
Food and Consumer Protection Department

The state-level administrative department in Bihar responsible for public distribution, food security management, and supervising crop procurement targets.

UPSC context

BPSC General Studies Paper II (Governance and Administration) — examines the institutional machinery executing welfare schemes and food security in Bihar.

Source

Static Concepts Connected

Bihar Economy Agriculture and Food Security

What is the institutional mechanism of decentralized paddy procurement in Bihar?

  • PACS Role: Procurement is routed through grassroots Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and Vyapar Mandals across districts.
  • FCI & State Agencies: The Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the state food corporation coordinate storage and distribution for the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Decentralized Procurement and PACS Governance

    Decentralized procurement relies heavily on PACS, linking food security administration with cooperative federalism and grassroots rural governance reforms under the Ministry of Cooperation.

BPSC frequently tests the operational tier of MSP procurement in Bihar; expect questions on PACS and decentralized procurement volumes.

Linked PYQs · 3

Linked PYQs · 3

  • 2023BPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    What is the policy measure adopted by the Government of India to improve the system of agricultural marketing?

  • 2024-EBPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    What is the contribution of agriculture in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Bihar?

  • 2019BPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Who determines the minimum support price in India?