Agartala, Jun 10, 2024, By Our Correspondent
In a bid to support local farmers and bolster agricultural endeavors, the Tripura state government, under the leadership of Minister for Food, Sushanta Chowdhury, has announced the procurement of 15,000 metric tonnes (MT) of paddy directly from farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs. 21.83 per kilogram for the upcoming Kharif season.
The decision, unveiled during a press conference at the civil secretariat, outlines a strategic initiative spanning across 31 blocks in six districts, slated to commence on June 15. Minister Chowdhury emphasized the significance of this procurement drive, stating that it aligns with the government's steadfast commitment to doubling farmers' income, a vision set forth since the inception of the current administration in 2018.
To mark the commencement of the procurement endeavor, an inaugural ceremony is scheduled to take place at Jolaibari in South Tripura district, graced by the presence of Minister for Agriculture Ratanlal Nath, Minister for Food Sushanta Chowdhury, Minister Shukla Charan Noatia, and other dignitaries.
Highlighting the government's proactive measures, Minister Chowdhury underscored that the procurement process, previously conducted at the Sub-Divisional level, will now be executed at the block level, thus mitigating transportation costs for farmers. Moreover, he assured that farmers can expect timely payment at MSP, with transactions processed within a day.
In preparation for the forthcoming procurement drive, Minister Chowdhury chaired a virtual meeting with key stakeholders, including SDMs, BDOs, and Agriculture Deputy Directors, to review operational readiness. Additionally, recognizing the challenges posed by increased transportation costs, the Food department has invested in five new goods-laden lorries, totaling an expenditure of Rs. 1.86 crore, to augment transportation management.
The addition of these vehicles, alongside the existing fleet of 17 trucks, aims to streamline logistics and facilitate the seamless movement of procured paddy, ensuring efficiency and timely delivery.