Tripura targets procurement of 30,000 MT paddy at ₹23 MSP to support farmers, boost incomes, and recover flood-hit agriculture. Minister Sushanta Chowdhury flags off initiative from Sabroom, ensuring fair pricing and long-term rural economic resilience across 31 centers under KMS 2025-26 Rabi season.
In a significant move aimed at empowering farmers and strengthening the agrarian economy, the Government of Tripura has set an ambitious target to procure 30,000 metric tons (MT) of paddy during the current crop season under the ‘Paddy Procurement from Farmers at Minimum Support Price, KMS-2025-26 (2nd Crop/Rabi 2024-25)’ initiative.
The program was formally inaugurated by Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Saturday at Battala under Satchand Panchayat in Sabroom, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. This marks a joint step toward ensuring economic security and resilience for paddy farmers across the state.
Starting From Flood-Hit Brajendranagar
Minister Chowdhury emphasized that this year’s procurement holds special significance as it began in Brajendranagar, a region recognized as the grain hub of Sabroom. The area had suffered extensive damage during last year’s floods, deeply affecting farming activities and rural livelihoods.
“The decision to launch the procurement drive from Brajendranagar was made consciously to provide immediate support to farmers still recovering from natural calamities,” said Chowdhury.
Boosting Farmers’ Incomes with Higher MSP
Under the new procurement plan, the government will buy paddy at a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹23 per kg, an increase from the earlier rate of ₹17.50. The paddy will be collected from 31 procurement centers established throughout the state.
“Our government is a farmers-friendly government. Keeping our pre-poll promises, we increased the MSP to ₹23 to ensure fair compensation for farmers,” Chowdhury said.
He further revealed that since 2018, the state government has procured over 2.25 lakh MT of paddy from around 1.17 lakh farmers, directly transferring more than ₹446 crore to their bank accounts. This substantial infusion has significantly contributed to rural financial stability and farm sector sustainability.
Economic Resilience Through Agrarian Support
Chowdhury highlighted the broader objective of the program—to strengthen the rural economy and enhance the living standards of local farming communities. “We strongly believe this initiative will help build economic resilience in agrarian areas by ensuring a fair and stable income for our farmers,” he added.
The procurement initiative forms a crucial part of the government’s ongoing efforts to reform agricultural policies, promote self-reliance in food production, and protect small and marginal farmers from market fluctuations.
By securing their produce at fixed rates, the state government is shielding farmers from exploitation and creating an environment where agriculture can thrive sustainably.
Support from Leaders and Stakeholders
The launch event witnessed the participation of several notable leaders and stakeholders, including Minister Sukla Charan Noatia, South Tripura Zilla Sabhadhipati Dipak Dutta, MLAs Mailafru Mog and Sapna Majumder, and former MLA Sankar Roy, all of whom reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the agricultural sector in Tripura.
Their collective presence signaled a unified governmental approach toward agricultural welfare, echoing the sentiment that farmer empowerment remains central to the state’s developmental vision.
A Vision for Sustainable Agriculture
The procurement drive is not just a welfare scheme but a long-term agricultural strategy aimed at building robust food systems, minimizing rural distress, and promoting inclusive economic growth. With the involvement of multiple departments and a growing number of procurement centers, the initiative is expected to benefit thousands of farmers across the state.
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As the program gains momentum, it sets a benchmark for proactive governance and reflects Tripura’s evolving agricultural policies that align with both economic development and social justice.
