6 lakh metric tons of paddy was purchased from farmers

Guwahati: The state government on Thursday said that through various agencies, a total of 5,98,127 metric tonnes (MT) of paddy was procured from farmers in Assam in the Kharif marketing season, 2022-23.

Since the government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma came to power in Assam, it was decided that paddy will be procured directly from farmers through various central and state government agencies. The government took this decision because the agencies had earlier purchased paddy in small quantities, forcing farmers to sell their produce to middlemen at lower prices.

The money farmers receive from the purchase of their paddy is transferred to their bank accounts through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT). Farmers were paid a minimum support price of Rs 2,040 per quintal. Paddy procurement centers are used in different districts to purchase paddy from farmers.

Recently, after the completion of paddy procurement, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held a review meeting in Dispur on Thursday.

“Our government is committed to fulfill its promise of purchasing paddy directly from farmers to increase their income and ensure timely distribution of food grains to the people through Anna Seva Saptah… I have said in ‘X’,” the Chief Minister said. “Reviewed the implementation.” Meeting of both the schemes with concerned officials today.”

Let us tell you here that six agencies were involved in the purchase of paddy from farmers through a large number of purchasing centers in different districts. Agency-wise procurement was as follows: FCI: 1,94,266 MT, AFCSCL: 3,48,883 MT, ASAMB: 4,461 MT, NAFED: 38,994 MT, NACOF: 5,614 MT, and NCCF: 5,908 MT.