Centre hikes Arthiyas commission on wheat, paddy procurement, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Central Government has increased the commission rates for Arthiyas and cooperative societies involved in wheat and paddy procurement.
• The revised rates will be effective from the Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2026-27.
• In Punjab and Haryana, the commission for Arthiyas for wheat procurement has risen from Rs 46 to Rs 50.75 per quintal.
• In Rajasthan, the commission for Arthiyas for wheat procurement has increased from Rs 41.40 to Rs 45.67 per quintal.

Detailed Insights:

• Food Corporation of India (FCI) relies on Arthiyas in Punjab and Haryana for wheat and paddy procurement, making this commission hike significant.
• This decision precedes the Punjab Assembly elections in 2027, potentially influencing regional agricultural dynamics.
• Farmers and Arthiyas played a key role in protests against the three farm laws, which led to their repeal, highlighting their importance in agricultural policy.
• Punjab and Haryana are major contributors to the Central pool of foodgrains, underscoring their importance in national food security.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Arthiyas: Commission agents who facilitate the buying and selling of agricultural produce.
• Rabi Marketing Season (RMS): The period when rabi crops, like wheat and barley, are marketed and sold.
• Food Corporation of India (FCI): The agency responsible for procuring and distributing foodgrains to ensure food security.