In Chhattisgarh, paddy procurement to start from tomorrow, over 21 lakh farmers sign up to sell on MSP

The Chhattisgarh government had purchased 80.38 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from 15.71 lakh farmers in the year 2018-19 while in the year 2019-20, 83.94 lakh metric tonnes of paddy were purchased from 18.38 lakh farmers.

Updated on: Nov 30, 2020, 15:51:58 IST

Hindustan Times, Raipur | By Ritesh Mishra

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As paddy procurement for the year 2000-21 will start from tomorrow, a total of 21,29,764 farmers have registered to sell their paddy in the state, officials said on Monday.

The Centre had fixed Rs 1815 per quintal for common grade paddy and Rs 1835 per quintal for Grade A paddy as compensation. Later, a five-member committee was constituted to study how a benefit of Rs 2500 per quintal could be ensured to farmers. (PTI PHOTO.)

The area under which paddy is sown this year is more than 27, 59, 385 hectares in the year 2000-21. As per the records, in the last two years, the area under paddy has increased from 19.36 lakh hectare to 27.59 lakh hectare.

The Chhattisgarh government had purchased 80.38 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from 15.71 lakh farmers in the year 2018-19 while in the year 2019-20, 83.94 lakh metric tonnes of paddy were purchased from 18.38 lakh farmers.

“In 2017-18, 76.47 percent farmers sold paddy while total 92.61 percent of farmers sold paddy in the year 2018-19. In the last marketing year 2019-20, 94.02 percent farmers in the state sold paddy at the support price,” the official added.

It is worth mentioning that, in November 2019, the Congress government had decided to procure paddy at Rs 1835 per quintal, at the Centre fixed rate but also said it is committed to fulfilling all the promises made to the state’s farmers. It had also said that it will find a way so that farmers get Rs 2500 per quintal.

The Centre had fixed Rs 1815 per quintal for common grade paddy and Rs 1835 per quintal for Grade A paddy as compensation. Later, a five-member committee was constituted to study how a benefit of Rs 2500 per quintal could be ensured to farmers.

Later, the Bhupesh Baghel government launched a scheme “Rajiv Gandhi Nyay Yojna” under which the difference amount has been given in four installments.

“Under this scheme 19 lakh farmers of the state are being given in four installments an amount of Rs 5750 crores. So far, direct assistance of Rs 4500 crore has been given to the farmers in three installments,” a senior official said.

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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