Chattisgarh CM says will procure paddy at MSP, compensate farmers separately

Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel said that the notified minimum support price and the difference amount will also be transferred into the farmers’ account.

Updated on: Nov 26, 2019, 22:27:34 IST

Hindustan Times, Raipur | By Ritesh Mishra

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Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said his government will launch a new scheme to provide ₹2500 per quintal to farmers against procuring their paddy in the state.

Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel . (Photo @bhupeshbaghel

Answering the discussions on demand proposals for the second supplementary budget for the financial year 2019-20 in state legislative assembly on Wednesday, Baghel said the Congress government will provide ₹2500 per quintal to farmers against paddy procurement.

“A five member committee has been constituted to study how ₹2500 per quintal benefit could be ensured to farmers. The committee will submit its report ahead of upcoming budget session and thereafter new scheme will be formed,” said Baghel.

Baghel said that the notified minimum support price and the difference amount will also be transferred into the farmers’ account.

The minimum support price for paddy will be given to farmers as per rate fixed by the centre ( ₹1815 per quintal for common grade paddy and ₹1835 per quintal for Grade A paddy) while a new scheme will be initiated in order to pay the farmers the difference amount to make it ₹2500 per quintal, he added.

On Monday, the Congress government decided to procure paddy at ₹1835 per quintal, which is the rate fixed by the centre, but also said that the government is committed to fulfil all promises made to Chhattisgarh farmers and will find a way so that farmers get ₹2500 per quintal.

Baghel took over as chief minister in December 2018 after the Congress won the assembly polls with a thumping majority, ending 15-year-rule of the BJP.

“Despite repeated requests, the Centre was not ready to cooperate with the government for procuring paddy at the rate of ₹2,500 per quintal from Chhattisgarh farmers. We bowed down to satisfy the ego of the Centre and decided to purchase paddy at the rate fixed by the central government from December 1,” Baghel said, adding that his government is however committed to provide ₹2,500 per quintal for paddy to farmers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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