Agartala: The Tripura government has announced its intention to procure 15,000 metric tonnes of paddy from farmers at the minimum support price (MSP) during the upcoming Rabi season. Paddy will be purchased at the rate of Rs 21.83 per kilogram. The procurement process is scheduled to commence on June 15, 2024.
Food Minister Sushanta Chowdhury shared this information during a press conference organized by the Department of Food and Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs at the Secretariat. The state-level program will be officially launched in Jolaibari, South Tripura district. Paddy will be procured from farmers at designated paddy procurement centers across 31 blocks in West Tripura, Sipahijala, Khowai, Dhalai, South Tripura, and Gomati districts.
Since the formation of the present government in 2018, the initiative to procure paddy from farmers twice a year—during both Kharif and Rabi seasons—has been in effect. To date, a total of 1,92,052 metric tonnes of paddy has been procured from farmers in the state, benefiting 1,309 farmers. The state government’s primary objective is to enhance farmers’ income and bolster their economic stability by ensuring fair prices for their produce.
Additionally, the Food Department has acquired five new trucks for transporting food grains, at a cost of approximately Rs 1.86 crore. These trucks will be formally flagged off at the Central Store in AD Nagar, Agartala, tomorrow. Officials including Special Secretary Ravel Hemendra Kumar, Food Commissioner Nirmal Adhikari, and Additional Commissioner Animesh Debbarma were present during the press conference.
