By Firstdespatch Desk Feb 11, 2025
Agartala, Feb 11 (FD) The state government has successfully procured 17,497.109 metric tonnes of paddy from farmers during the Kharif season at the minimum support price (MSP), ensuring fair compensation for cultivators. The Food, Public Procurement, and Consumer Affairs Minister, Sushant Chowdhury, announced this at a press conference held at the Secretariat's Press Conference Hall today.
The government purchased this paddy at a rate of 23 taka per kilogram, benefiting 8,922 farmers across the state. The procurement process, which began on December 19, 2024, was completed on February 8, 2025, through 51 paddy procurement centers spread across 19 subdivisions. The total expenditure for this initiative amounted to 40 crore 25 lakh taka, of which 35 crore 52 lakh taka has already been disbursed to farmers. This means that over 88 percent of the farmers have received their payments, and the remaining amount will be paid soon.
Strengthening Farmers' Economic Stability
Minister Sushant Chowdhury emphasized that the state government has been actively supporting farmers by procuring paddy twice a year, during the Kharif and Rabi seasons. Since 2018, a total of 2,25,356.805 metric tonnes of paddy has been purchased under government initiatives, with an expenditure of 446.13 crore taka. So far, 1,17,049 farmers have benefited from this policy.
He highlighted that despite facing natural disasters, the paddy procurement process has been successful across the state. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and strengthening their economic foundation, calling the administration farmer-friendly.
‘Jagruti’ Program for Road Safety and Public Awareness
In addition to discussing paddy procurement, Minister Sushant Chowdhury, who also oversees the Transport Department, spoke about the ‘Jagruti’ program—a state-wide initiative focused on road safety, consumer protection, and preventing addiction. The program, organized by the Transport and Food Departments in collaboration with various institutions, has seen enthusiastic participation from students.
Students from 25 general degree colleges, universities, ICFAI University, Law College, TIT, and other institutions took part in the program, with a total of 5,200 students engaged. The initiative, which began on January 11 in Udaipur, Gomti district, concluded on February 10 at Rabindra Centenary Bhavan in Agartala. Prizes were awarded to students at various levels to encourage active participation.
Minister Chowdhury also announced plans to extend the ‘Jagruti’ program to school-level students in the future to increase awareness from an early age.
Officials Present at the Press Conference
Among those present at the event were Additional Secretary of the Transport Department, Subrata Chowdhury, Director of the Food Department, Sumit Lodh, and Joint Director of the Food Department, Abhijit Biswas.