971.16 crore rupees paid to farmers for paddy purchase

Chhattisgarh Achieves Record Paddy Procurement: 5.37 Lakh Metric Tonnes Purchased from Over 1.6 Lakh Farmers

Introduction

Raipur : In a remarkable achievement for Chhattisgarh’s agriculture sector, the state government has procured an impressive 5.37 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, benefiting more than 1.6 lakh farmers. This milestone highlights the state’s commitment to supporting its agrarian community and strengthening the rural economy.

Details of the Procurement Drive

The paddy procurement drive is part of Chhattisgarh’s initiative to ensure fair prices for farmers and boost agricultural productivity. Launched under the government’s Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme, the process has seen enthusiastic participation from farmers across the state.

Key Highlights:

1. Total Paddy Purchased: 5.37 lakh metric tonnes.
2. Farmers Benefited: Over 1.6 lakh.
3. MSP Offered: Competitive rates to ensure financial security for farmers.

Government Initiatives Supporting the Drive

The Chhattisgarh government has implemented several measures to ensure the smooth execution of the procurement process:

1. Digitalized Registration:
   Farmers registered digitally to ensure transparency and efficiency.
2. Adequate Procurement Centers:
   Over 2,500 centers were set up statewide to facilitate easy access for farmers.
3. Timely Payments:
   The government has ensured swift payments directly to farmers’ bank accounts.

Farmers’ Response to the Procurement Drive

The initiative has been met with widespread approval from the farming community. Many farmers expressed gratitude for the timely and well-organized procurement process.

Farmer Testimonials:

• Ramesh Yadav, a farmer from Raipur:
  “This initiative has given us much-needed financial stability. The prompt payment system has been a game-changer.”
• Sita Devi, a small-scale farmer from Bilaspur:
  “The government’s support has made a big difference in my family’s livelihood.”

Economic Impact of the Procurement

The large-scale paddy purchase is expected to significantly contribute to Chhattisgarh’s economy.

1. Rural Development:

• Infusion of cash into the rural economy will boost local markets.

1. Increased Farmer Confidence:

• With assured procurement, farmers are likely to invest more in quality seeds and advanced farming techniques.

1. Food Security:

• The procured paddy will bolster the Public Distribution System (PDS), ensuring food availability for the underprivileged.

Challenges Encountered

While the procurement drive has been largely successful, it faced minor hurdles:

1. Transportation Issues:
   Delays in transporting paddy from remote areas to procurement centers.
2. Weather Concerns:
   Sporadic rainfall during the procurement season caused logistical disruptions.

Future Plans and Government Commitment

The state government has announced plans to further enhance agricultural policies:

1. Improved Infrastructure:

• Setting up additional procurement centers in remote areas.

1. Support for Organic Farming:

• Encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices.

1. Expansion of MSP Coverage:

• Including more crops under the MSP scheme.

Conclusion

Chhattisgarh’s achievement of procuring 5.37 lakh metric tonnes of paddy is a testament to the state’s commitment to its farmers. With over 1.6 lakh farmers benefiting from the initiative, the program has not only boosted the agricultural sector but also set an example for other states to follow.

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