culture, Department of Food, 1971-72, pp 15 and 17). On this basis, the procurement price for paddy had in the past exceeded the minimum support price by about Rs 10 per quintal. In 1971-72, the minimum support price was Rs 40 per quintal whereas the procurement price was about Rs 56 to Rs 58 per quintal. This year, the APC has recommended a higher procurement price of Rs 63 per quintal for paddy