Tripura launches seasonal paddy procurement drive benefiting 1.25 lakh farmers. The state targets procurement of 18,000 metric tonnes at Rs 1,750 per quintal, strengthening farmer income, food security, and agricultural sustainability across all districts.
Around 1.25 lakh farmers across Tripura are set to benefit from the state government’s seasonal paddy procurement drive, which formally commenced on Wednesday, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury announced.
Speaking at the inaugural programme held at Dharmanagar in North Tripura district, the minister said that the state has been consistently procuring paddy directly from farmers since 2018, ensuring assured prices and timely financial support. He stated that the procurement exercise is conducted twice every year, covering both major agricultural seasons.
“The state government has fixed the procurement price at Rs 1,750 per quintal, and around 1.25 lakh farmers will benefit from this procurement drive,” Chowdhury said. He added that a total amount of Rs 489 crore has already been disbursed to farmers under the programme over the past years, significantly strengthening rural incomes and agricultural sustainability.
Although the start of procurement witnessed a slight delay this year due to administrative and logistical reasons, the minister assured that the process has now formally begun and will continue for approximately one month. He informed that the government has set a target of procuring 18,000 metric tonnes of paddy from all eight districts of Tripura during the current season. Out of this, 1,500 metric tonnes are expected to be procured from North Tripura district alone.
On the inaugural day, paddy was procured symbolically from six farmers belonging to different villages under the Dharmanagar subdivision, marking the official launch of the statewide operation.
Emphasising the importance of farmers in nation-building, Chowdhury said that farmers are the backbone of India’s food security and economic stability. He highlighted that agriculture remains the foundation of the country’s economy and that the state government is committed to improving the socio-economic conditions of farmers through assured pricing and market access.
The minister said the procurement drive aims to ensure fair remuneration for farmers’ produce, financial stability, and greater self-reliance in agriculture. He noted that as part of the initiative, paddy procurement will be carried out through 52 designated procurement centres across the state in a phased manner, strictly following prescribed quotas and official guidelines.
Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath, who was scheduled to attend the programme, could not be present due to prior official commitments.
The event was organised by the Dharmanagar subdivision of the Food and Agriculture departments and witnessed large participation from farmers across the region. Several elected representatives and senior officials were present, including North Tripura Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Aparna Nath, MLAs Jadav Lal Nath and Sailendra Chandra Nath, chairpersons of Yubarajnagar, Kadamtala and Kalacherra Panchayat Samitis, Dharmanagar Municipal Council Chairperson, Food Department Special Secretary Debapriya Bardhan, North Tripura District Magistrate Chandni Chandran, and Food Department Additional Secretary Sumit Lodha.
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The programme was presided over by social worker Kajal Das. Officials reiterated that the procurement process would be conducted transparently, ensuring timely payments and adherence to all government norms.
