The Tripura government began paddy procurement operations on Thursday, targeting the acquisition of 21,315 metric tons of paddy at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) across 51 designated locations. This initiative highlights the state’s commitment to bolstering the agricultural sector and ensuring fair compensation for farmers, who form the backbone of its economy.
The government has fixed the MSP at ₹2,183 per quintal for this season, offering much-needed financial security to cultivators grappling with rising input costs. Officials have set up procurement centers across Tripura to streamline the process and ensure accessibility for farmers from remote regions. These centers are equipped with facilities to weigh, inspect, and store the harvested paddy, ensuring compliance with quality standards before payments are processed.
Farmers expressed optimism about the initiative, with many lauding the government for its timely intervention during the harvest season. “This initiative ensures that we are not at the mercy of middlemen who often exploit us with unfair prices,” said Ranjit Das, a farmer from the West Tripura district. The MSP serves as a safety net for farmers, preventing them from selling their produce below the government-mandated price.
The Agriculture Department has taken measures to simplify the procurement process, including digital registration systems. Farmers can now register their produce through online portals, reducing paperwork and expediting transactions. Additionally, the government has assured that payments will be credited directly to farmers’ bank accounts within 48 hours of procurement, eliminating delays and fostering trust in the system.
Chief Minister Manik Saha visited one of the procurement centers to oversee the operations and interact with the farmers. He emphasized the importance of agricultural self-reliance and reiterated his government’s commitment to supporting the farming community. “Agriculture is the lifeline of our state. By ensuring fair prices and modern infrastructure, we aim to empower our farmers and make Tripura a model state for agricultural development,” the Chief Minister stated during his visit.
The procurement drive is part of a broader strategy to enhance food security and reduce reliance on imports. By ensuring farmers receive fair compensation for their crops, the government hopes to encourage higher production levels in the coming years. Officials from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) are also working in tandem with state authorities to ensure that the procured paddy is efficiently stored and distributed.
Agricultural experts have praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to stabilize rural incomes and stimulate economic growth in the region. “The MSP procurement program is not just about buying crops. It is a comprehensive measure that assures farmers of income stability, boosts their morale, and incentivizes sustainable farming practices,” said Dr. Rakesh Sharma, an agronomist.
The initiative also includes plans to provide transportation subsidies for farmers from distant areas. This measure will help those in the state’s hilly and tribal regions, where access to procurement centers can be challenging. Mobile procurement units have also been introduced in certain areas to facilitate operations for farmers unable to travel long distances.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the procurement drive, some challenges remain. Farmers have voiced concerns about delays in crop inspections and limited storage capacity at certain centers. The government has assured that additional resources will be allocated to address these issues promptly.
The paddy procurement drive aligns with Tripura’s broader vision of promoting agricultural development through technology and farmer-friendly policies. The state is also focusing on providing subsidies for seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation systems to boost productivity and ensure higher yields.
This year’s procurement target of 21,315 metric tons marks a significant increase compared to previous years, reflecting the government’s ambitious goals for the sector. Authorities plan to conduct similar drives for other crops in the future, expanding the scope of support provided to the farming community.
As Tripura continues its journey towards agricultural self-reliance, the paddy procurement drive stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to its farmers. By addressing their immediate needs and creating long-term growth opportunities, the government is laying a strong foundation for a prosperous and resilient agricultural economy.
