MLA Jasrotia inaugurates Paddy Procurement Mandi at Dhanni Bhakhta, Barnoti

KATHUA: In a landmark move for the agrarian landscape of Jasrota, Rajiv Jasrotia, MLA Jasrota, today inaugurated the Paddy Procurement Mandi (Registration‑cum‑Facilitation Centre) at Dhanni Bhakhta, Block Barnoti—a remote Kandi region that now stands to benefit more than 35 Panchayats. Prominent among those present on the occasion included Chief Agriculture Officer Kathua, Jitendra Khajuria and his worthy team, SDAO Ashwani Sharma, BDO Barnoti Suraj Singh, AEE PWD Mahesh, AEE PHE Himanshu, XEN Flood Control Kathua ,Abnish Kumar, Sarpnachs Shivdev Singh, Balwant Singh, Randeep Singh, several Pancha and hundreds of prominent citizens in the area.

Speaking on the occasion, Jasrotia said that newly‑established centre is designed to ensure smooth, transparent, and timely procurement of paddy at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹2,369 per quintal for Common Paddy and ₹2,389 per quintal for Grade‑A Paddy, thereby guaranteeing fair and assured returns to local farmers. He emphasised that such centres will strengthen the rural economy, eliminate middlemen and empower farming communities. He noted that the establishment of the Paddy Mandi in Jasrota Constituency fulfils a persistent demand of local farmers, offering better accessibility and convenience.

Jasrotia reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to farmer welfare through improved procurement infrastructure, enhanced transparency, and prompt payment disbursement. He called upon the Agriculture Department and Food Corporation of India (FCI) to ensure efficient operations and timely payments. He urged field officers to extend full assistance to farmers, ensuring no inconvenience during procurement. He encouraged farmers to utilise the registration‑cum‑facilitation centre for seamless documentation and quick processing.

Jasrotia highlighted that awareness campaigns through Panchayat‑level meetings, posters, and social media are being amplified to keep every farmer well‑informed about MSP benefits and mandi operations. He affirmed that the centre will revolutionise paddy procurement in the Kandi belt , fostering prosperity and equity for the farming fraternity of Jasrota.By eliminating middlemen, we empower local farming communities and boost the rural economy. The long‑standing demand for a procurement hub in Jasrota Constituency is finally fulfilled, bringing the mandi closer to homes and fields.Together, we are sowing the seeds of prosperity. Let this mandi become the cornerstone of a thriving Jasrota, where every farmer’s toil is honored and rewarded, said Jasrotia.