Jharkhand Govt Announces Rs 100/Quintal Bonus on Paddy Amid Crop Loss Concerns
Jharkhand has announced a Rs 100-per-quintal bonus on paddy along with a one-time payment system starting December 15, offering major relief to farmers hit by crop losses from Cyclone Montha.
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In a major relief for farmers, the Jharkhand government has announced a bonus of Rs 100 per quintal on paddy over and above the Minimum Support Price (MSP). State Food and Public Distribution Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari said farmers selling paddy to the government will also receive one-time payment for their produce. The procurement process will begin by December 15.
Ansari said the state has finalised the proposal to provide the additional Rs 100 bonus on the MSP fixed by the Centre. “The proposal will soon be placed before the Cabinet for approval,” he said on Monday.
For 2025-26, the Centre has fixed the MSP for common paddy at Rs 2,369 per quintal and for Grade-A paddy at Rs 2,389 per quintal. Jharkhand farmers will receive an additional Rs 100 on these MSPs during procurement.
The minister said the one-time payment system will ensure farmers are free from middlemen and get timely returns, strengthening their financial condition. He added that paddy harvesting in Jharkhand will be completed in the next 10–15 days, and procurement arrangements are in place.
For the first time in the state, farmers will receive a one-time payment. Until now, payments were made in two installments, with the second installment often getting delayed. This forced farmers to sell their paddy to middlemen out of necessity.
Relief Amid Cyclone Montha Impact
The announcement comes at a time when Cyclone Montha has caused significant damage to standing and harvested crops in several districts. In Hazaribagh, continuous rain has led to waterlogging and rotting of harvested paddy. Farmers reported that while they expected a good yield this year, persistent rain has damaged both standing crops and seeds.
Amid widespread reports of crop loss, the government’s bonus announcement and timely procurement plan are being seen as crucial support measures. The state government has reiterated that it is prepared to extend all possible assistance to farmers to help them recover from the current crisis.
