Paddy Procurement 2026-27: Registration, MSP and Centres

Paddy procurement is the government purchase of farmers’ paddy at the minimum support price during the kharif marketing season. For 2026-27 the MSP is ₹2,441 per quintal for common paddy and ₹2,461 for Grade A, and state agencies have started or scheduled buying in Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. This guide explains how procurement works, the dates reported so far, how to register, which documents you need, and how to avoid the mistakes that delay payment.

Dates and rules vary by state and can change, so always confirm with your state food and civil supplies department or the nearest procurement centre.

Key takeaways

• The paddy MSP for 2026-27 is ₹2,441 per quintal for common grade and ₹2,461 for Grade A, up from ₹2,369 and ₹2,389 last year.
• Punjab has a 180 lakh tonne procurement target for 2026-27, and Andhra Pradesh plans to buy 37 lakh tonnes from 1 November.
• Uttar Pradesh buying started in the west on 12 October and starts in the east on 1 November, and it runs to 15 February and 28 February 2027 respectively.
• Most states require farmer registration before you can sell, so register early.
• Dry, clean paddy with moisture within the limit avoids rejection and deductions.

Paddy procurement 2026-27: MSP and state dates

The central government fixes the MSP, and state agencies buy on behalf of the Food Corporation of India or for state stocks. The table collects the dates reported in September and October 2026.

Other states, including Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, announce their own schedules and registration windows. Look for notices from your state civil supplies corporation.

Paddy MSP 2026-27 compared with last year

See the full list of 14 crops in our Kharif MSP 2026-27 guide, or work out your own revenue with the MSP calculator.

How paddy procurement works step by step

The system differs in details between states, but the broad path is the same.

1. Registration. The farmer registers on the state portal or at a designated centre with land, crop and bank details.
2. Notification of centres. The state lists mandis and purchase centres and the dates when each opens.
3. Token or slot. Many states give a date and time to bring the crop, so mandis do not overflow.
4. Arrival and quality check. Officials check moisture, foreign matter, and damaged or discoloured grain against the norms.
5. Weighing and bagging. The paddy is weighed, bagged and recorded.
6. Payment. The MSP amount is paid by direct transfer to the farmer’s bank account, usually after a short processing period.

Paddy procurement quality norms in brief

The central specification for fair average quality paddy sets a limit on moisture, commonly 17 percent, and on foreign matter, damaged grain and discoloured grain. Paddy above the limit may be rejected or bought only after drying. Ask the procurement officer for the current norms in your state, since relaxations can be announced in wet years.

Paddy procurement registration: documents you need

Keep these ready before you start the registration. Missing papers are the most common reason for delay.

• Aadhaar card, or another identity proof accepted by your state.
• Bank passbook or cancelled cheque with a correct IFSC code, in the farmer’s name.
• Land record such as khasra, khatauni, jamabandi or the state equivalent.
• Crop sowing details, where the state requires a crop survey or a self-declaration.
• A working mobile number linked to your record.

Paddy procurement for tenant and sharecropper farmers

Rules for tenant farmers differ by state. Some states allow a lease or an authorisation letter, while others accept only the registered landholder. Check your state’s notice early, because a tenant without the right paper may be turned away at the mandi.

How to avoid problems at the purchase centre

1. Dry your paddy. Spread it thin in sunlight for a day or two if the moisture is high.
2. Clean it. Remove husk, stones, straw and immature grains with a winnowing fan or a cleaner.
3. Bring it on your slot. Arriving early without a token can leave the truck waiting for days.
4. Keep bank details correct. A wrong account number delays the transfer.
5. Keep the receipt. Save the weighment slip or gate pass until the money arrives.
6. Do not pay anyone extra. There is no official fee for selling at MSP. Report demands for bribes to the district authorities.

What if you cannot sell at MSP?

Some farmers miss registration, or the nearest centre is far away. In that case, compare local mandi prices before you sell to a trader. Prices below MSP are common during peak arrivals. Check rates on Mandi Bhav Today, and read our guide to mandi bhav so you understand modal and minimum prices. Waiting a few days for dry grain and a better market can raise your return, but only if you can store the paddy safely.

Weak monsoon and paddy procurement this year

The 2026 monsoon ended at 87 percent of normal, and paddy area was lower than last year. Smaller crops in some states can mean fewer arrivals and slower procurement in those places. Our monsoon update and kharif season guide explain which regions were hit hardest.

Paddy procurement: your action plan

Check your state’s notice for the start date, register before you harvest, and finish drying and cleaning before you reach the centre. Keep every document and receipt, and confirm your bank details.

Find more crop guidance in Kharif Crops, plan your next sowing with the crop calendar, or return to the Harvest homepage.

Data note: MSP and start dates come from news reports and official announcements dated September to October 2026, and procurement details are reported by state governments. Dates, norms and portals can change, so confirm locally. The Harvest is an independent information website and is not affiliated with any government body or procurement agency.

Paddy procurement: frequently asked questions

What is the paddy MSP for 2026-27?

The paddy MSP for 2026-27 is ₹2,441 per quintal for common grade and ₹2,461 per quintal for Grade A, up ₹72 from last year.

When does paddy procurement start in 2026-27?

It varies by state. Haryana was allowed to start from 29 September, western Uttar Pradesh began on 12 October, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh start on 1 November, and Gujarat was reported to start on 16 November.

What is Punjab's paddy procurement target?

Punjab has a target of 180 lakh tonnes for 2026-27. By 7 October about 8.5 lakh tonnes had arrived in mandis and about 7.5 lakh tonnes had been bought.

Do I need to register to sell paddy at MSP?

Most states require farmer registration on a state portal or at a notified centre. Check your state food and civil supplies department for the portal and deadline.

What documents are needed for paddy procurement?

Usually an identity proof such as Aadhaar, a bank passbook with a correct IFSC code, land records such as khasra or khatauni, crop details where asked, and a working mobile number.

What moisture level is allowed for paddy?

Fair average quality norms commonly allow moisture up to 17 percent. Paddy above the limit can be rejected or bought only after drying, so dry and clean the crop before you bring it.

How is payment made in paddy procurement?

Payment of the MSP amount is made by direct transfer to the farmer's bank account after weighing and processing. Keep the weighment slip and make sure your bank details are correct.