Chhattisgarh Targets Record 160 LMT Paddy Procurement for 2024-25

The Chhattisgarh government has set a target of procuring 160 lakh metric tonnes of paddy for the 2024-25 kharif season. A cabinet sub-committee led by Food Minister Dayaldas Baghel discussed the policy and preparations, aiming to begin procurement from November 15. The state plans to use electronic weighing machines and jute bags for streamlined operations.

The Chhattisgarh government has set an ambitious target of procuring 160 lakh metric tonnes of paddy for the 2024-25 kharif marketing season, officials revealed on Tuesday.

A cabinet sub-committee, formed to review and provide recommendations on paddy procurement policies and custom milling at the support price, decided on this goal during a meeting held at Mantralaya Nava Raipur on Monday, according to a statement from the public relations department.

The meeting, chaired by state Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister Dayaldas Baghel, concluded with a decision to purchase an estimated 160 LMT of paddy from state farmers. The procurement period is tentatively set to begin November 15, pending a final decision by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at an upcoming cabinet meeting.

Formalizing plans for the procurement operations, the committee decided to buy paddy at a rate of 21 quintals per acre from registered farmers at the support price. Officials indicate that all procurement centers must be equipped with electronic weighing machines to ensure accuracy.

The committee also resolved to source jute bags through the Jute Commissioner and the Gem portal to maintain organized and efficient purchase processes. Notably, last year's record of 144.92 LMT paddy purchases is expected to be surpassed as procurement will be managed through 2,058 cooperative societies and 2,739 paddy procurement centers statewide.

(With inputs from agencies.)