By Firstdespatch Desk Dec 19, 2024
Agartala, Dec 19 (FD) Setting a target of buying 21,000 MT paddies from the peasants at a minimum support price of Rs 23 per kg, two ministers of the state, Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury jointly commenced the paddy procurement process.
The process started from Madhab bari area in West Tripura district today.
The MSP was Rs.21.83 per kg last year, which became Rs.23 per kg this year.
Chowdhury said, “Since BJP came to power the process for procuring paddy from the marginalized farmers started. It is true that the former Left Front government could not start the process during their tenure even as they boast big about peasantry”.
He said, the government spent Rs.397 crores so far for buying paddy since the BJP led Government came to power in 2018 and the farmers received the amount.
“This time we have set our target to procure 21,000 MT paddy and hope that farmers will meet the target despite the devastating floods in September this year”, he said.
Chowdhury said that PM Kishan scheme launched by the PM Narendra Modi to support the farmers, one farmer get Rs. 6000 annually in three installments.
Agriculture Minister has called upon the farmers to use a single inch of land as there is scarcity of lands in the state.
“We are convinced by the Narendra Modi’s vision of doubling the income of the farmers. So, I request all farmers to use every inch of lands”, Nath said.
He claimed the farmers monthly income rose from Rs.6, 580 in 2018 to Rs.13, 590 in 2023 and added that those, who suffered maximum during the last September’s flood, would get financial assistance. FD JK