Chandigarh, Nov 13 (IANS) Agrarian states Punjab and Haryana have procured over 200 lakh tonnes of paddy this kharif season, food and supplies officials said on Wednesday.

Punjab alone has procured 149.50 lakh tonnes of paddy, a state government spokesman told IANS.

He said government agencies procured 148.52 lakh tonnes, while 98,171 lakh tonnes by millers.

In neighbouring Haryana, more than 67.24 lakh tonnes of paddy has arrived compared to over 65.78 lakh tonnes during the corresponding period last year.

The government agencies have procured over 62.14 lakh tonnes, whereas 5.10 lakh tonne by millers.

More than 2.69 lakh metric tonnes of bajra compared to 1.72 lakh metric tonnes last year.

Haryana is well known for Basmati rice production, especially in Karnal district.

'Green Revolution' state Punjab contributes nearly 50 per cent of food grains (wheat and paddy) to the national kitty.

--IANS vg/rs