“Paddy Will Be Purchased On Support Price Through Biometric System”

To ensure a seamless and disturbance-free paddy procurement process at support prices, a robust biometric system will be implemented for farmers this year. This system will require farmers to undergo biometric identification after paddy procurement to verify their identity. Anticipating a higher volume of paddy purchases compared to the previous year, the authorities have decided to collect fingerprints of farmers directly at the point of sale before procuring the paddy.

The initiative has already commenced in the district, with farmers being urged to register their Aadhaar numbers along with the Aadhaar number of a nominated relative in the respective committees by October 31st. The adoption of the Aadhaar number is a measure to prevent any fraudulent purchases and ensure authenticity in the procurement process. Under this new system, a biometric verification process will be conducted using the Aadhaar card, with farmers or their nominated representatives providing their thumbprints during the paddy sale.

A paramount concern is to ensure that the farmers do not encounter any difficulties during this process. To address any issues that may arise during the sale of paddy, a trusted individual appointed by the collector will assist farmers in selling their produce. In cases where the farmer’s Aadhaar is not recognized by the machine, an OTP (Time Password) will be sent to the registered mobile number, facilitating the completion of the paddy purchase process.

Moreover, for the cancellation of the registration of farmers who were registered in the previous year but have passed away or for other valid reasons, the necessary information will be conveyed to Tehsildars. The inclusion of committee managers at the paddy procurement centers has been made mandatory to ensure the smooth execution of this process.

To participate in the new paddy registration and acreage amendment, farmers are required to present their District Cooperative Central Bank Passbook, a photocopy of their Aadhaar card, B-1P-2 documents, a copy of their loan book, Kamini’s Aadhaar card copy, consent certificate from other stakeholders, and a mobile number. Additionally, membership in the committee is mandatory, complete with a photograph, for those involved in the paddy procurement process.