Procurement of rice by various Government agencies for the kharif marketing season of 2010-11 (October to September) grew seven per cent to cross 34.1 million tonnes. As of October 27, the quantity of rice procured stood at 34.18 million tonnes as against 31.88 million tonnes in corresponding period last year.
Andhra Pradesh led the states by procuring 9.6 million tonnes, followed by Punjab at 8.63 million tonnes and Chhattisgarh at 3.73 million tonnes. Uttar Pradesh and Orissa procured 2.55 million tonnes and 2.47 million tonnes respectively, a statement said.