Agartala 20th July 2026: Despite the state government’s initiative to procure paddy at the minimum support price (MSP) during the current Rabi season, widespread discontent has erupted at the Matabari Paddy Procurement Centre in Udaipur subdivision of Gomati district. On Monday afternoon, farmers staged a massive protest at the Dhanya Manikya Mancha, alleging harassment and irregularities in the procurement process.
According to reports, the government is purchasing paddy from farmers at Rs 2,369 per quintal across 31 centres in the state. The procurement drive was formally inaugurated on July 10 by Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha at Kakraban School ground. In the second phase, procurement began at Matabari Dhanya Manikya Mancha under the supervision of the Food & Civil Supplies Department and the Matabari Agriculture Subdivision.
Farmers alleged that since the process started on July 18, they have faced multiple problems, which worsened from July 19 onwards. Complaints include theft of paddy sacks stored overnight at the venue, and demands for extra payment by labourers for weighing and loading sacks onto vehicles. Farmers claimed labourers were charging Rs 10–15 per sack, and refusing to work if payments were denied.
Tensions escalated on Monday when farmers approached Agriculture Supervisor Ajay Debbarma with their grievances. Protesters alleged that the official dismissed their complaints, misbehaved with them, and even instructed them to take back their paddy. His departure from the site further inflamed the situation.
Farmers argued that while the government’s MSP scheme is meant to safeguard their interests, mismanagement and negligence at the ground level are undermining its purpose. The incident has raised serious questions about the role of the Food & Civil Supplies Department and the Agriculture Department. Demands have been made for immediate investigation and corrective measures.
Observers note that Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath has recently introduced several farmer-friendly initiatives to strengthen the department. However, the allegations at Matabari may tarnish its image unless swift action is taken. Farmers now await the response of Minister Nath and Food & Civil Supplies Minister Sushanta Chowdhury to ensure fair procurement and restore confidence in the system.
