The government has procured 13.2 million metric tonne rice so far in the 2017-18 (Oct-Sep) marketing year at a minimum support price of 1,550 rupees per 100 kg. The procurement is 7.1% higher than 12.3 million metric tonne purchased a year ago due to a higher MSP. The support price of common grade paddy is 1,470 rupees per 100 kg. The procurement was highest in Punjab where the Centre has bought 9.2 million metric tonne rice so far, up from 8.9 million metric tonne a year ago. The second highest contributor to the central pool was Haryana where the government has bought 3.8 million metric tonne rice, up 13.3% on year.