BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 27th January 2026: The Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) has strongly criticized the state government’s announcement to procure 18,000 metric tonnes of paddy at a minimum support price (MSP) of ₹30.69 per kg starting January 28.
PCC spokesperson Prabir Chakraborty today in a press statement stated that the hike of just 69 paise over last year’s rate is “far below” the recommendations of the Dr. Swaminathan Commission. He alleged that farmers will still face a loss of at least ₹80 per quintal compared to production costs.
Chakraborty questioned why the government delayed procurement for three months after the harvest, suggesting that such delays benefit “mafia groups and middlemen” rather than genuine farmers. “Since 2018, ordinary cultivators have lost much of their freedom to sell crops independently. Rural mafias, backed by ruling party interests, are forcing farmers to sell through them,” he said.
The Congress leader further alleged that last year’s procurement also favored traders over farmers, many of whom have yet to receive full payment. He warned that rising input costs, collapsing irrigation systems, and inadequate supply of subsidized seeds and fertilizers are pushing farmers into debt and migration.
Reiterating the PCC’s demands, Chakraborty called on the government to implement the Swaminathan Commission’s MSP recommendations, ensure timely procurement within one month of harvest, provide subsidized agricultural inputs and improve irrigation, waive farm loans and offer easy credit at low interest through cooperative banks, and guarantee direct payment to farmers’ bank accounts.
“The government must act immediately to protect farmers from financial ruin and ensure genuine agricultural development,” Chakraborty asserted.
