Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel writes letter to PM Modi over paddy procurement issue

Baghel also mentioned about the several attempts made by him to meet the prime minister in Delhi but he has not been provided an appointment till date.

Published on: Nov 20, 2019, 12:53:52 IST

Hindustan Times, Raipur | By Ritesh Mishra

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Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and requested for procurement of paddy in the state at ₹2500 per quintal along with the inclusion of 32 lakh metric tons of rice into central pool.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that he met Union Agriculture Minister and Union Food Minister again last week to present his demands but Union government has not reconsidered its decision regarding procurement. (HT FILE Photo)

Baghel also mentioned about the several attempts made by him to meet the prime minister in Delhi but he has not been provided an appointment till date.

This is the third letter by the CM to PM Modi in last three months over paddy procurement issue.

The Chief Minister stated in his letter that every year a large quantity of paddy is procured under Decentralized Procurement Scheme in Chhattisgarh for the state’s requirement and central pool.

“The process of paddy procurement is about to begin to financially empower the farmers of Chhattisgarh. But, Government of India’s Food Ministry informed last month that Government of India would not procure rice/paddy for central pool from the states. I would like to draw your attention towards the fact that payment of proper value of their yield has resulted in prosperity and accelerated development in rural areas. Chhattisgarh remained untouched by the recession across the state in the fields of construction, automobiles etc. This also indicates that the hike in minimum support price has positive effects on financial condition of farmers and also boosts overall economy,” stated the CM in his letter.

He further said that he met Union Agriculture Minister and Union Food Minister again last week to present his demands but Union government has not reconsidered its decision regarding procurement.

“Chhattisgarh is known as the ‘rice bowl’ of India. Government of India’s decision may have adverse effects on procurement along with other long-term negative impacts,” he said in the letter.

Chief Minister further said, “I request you again to kindly issue necessary directive-instructions for procurement of paddy at ₹2500 per quintal in Chhattisgarh and to accept 32 lakh metric tons of paddy from Chhattisgarh for central pool.

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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