The Chhattisgarh government has set a target to procure 160 lakh tons of paddy for the Kharif season 2024-25. This decision was made during a cabinet sub-committee meeting held in Raipur on Monday, led by Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, Dayaldas Baghel. It was decided that paddy will be purchased from registered farmers at a rate of 21 quintals per acre and electronic weighing machines will be available at all purchase centers.
The central government has set the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for common paddy at Rs 2,300 per quintal and for Grade A paddy at Rs 2,320 per quintal. However, the Chhattisgarh government will buy paddy from farmers at a support price of Rs 3,100 per quintal.
Additionally, jute bags will be purchased through the Jute Commissioner and the GEM portal to streamline the paddy-buying process. The meeting also discussed paddy lifting, custom milling, and the transportation of paddy to the Central Pool and Chhattisgarh Civil Supplies Corporation. Similar to last year, paddy purchases and lifting will be completed by March 31.
The Sub-committee also discussed starting paddy procurement on November 15, keeping in mind the state foundation day celebrations. The final decision will be made in a state cabinet meeting. Last season, Chhattisgarh bought a record 144.9 lakh tons of paddy at the support price, and this year’s target is 160 lakh tons. paddy will be purchased through 2,058 cooperative societies and 2,739 paddy procurement centers. The food minister instructed officials to ensure all facilities for farmers at the purchase centers.