<h1>State announces statutory paddy procurement scheme 2025-26 with MSP hike, mandatory farmer registration and Aadhaar-linked e-POP payments</h1> The state government announced a statutory paddy procurement programme for the Kharif Marketing Year 2025-26, with purchases in western districts from October 1 to January 31, 2026, and eastern districts from November 1 to February 28, 2026. The administration raised the minimum support prices for common and grade-A paddy and made farmer registration on the designated portal or app a precondition for sale; procurement will occur only from registered sellers. Payments will be credited to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts and purchases will use e-POP devices with biometric verification to curb intermediaries and enhance transparency; official helplines and local officers are available for assistance.