Agartala, 3rd July 2026: Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Friday announced that the state government will begin paddy procurement for the current season at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) from July 10, with Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha formally launching the drive at Kakraban Agricultural Sub-division in Gomati district.
Addressing the media after a state-level video conference, the minister said the procurement initiative, being implemented in coordination with the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, is aimed at strengthening the economic condition of farmers in line with the Centre’s vision of doubling farmers’ income.
Chowdhury said the state has been procuring paddy from farmers twice every year since the BJP-led government assumed office in 2018.
“As you are aware, since our government was formed in 2018, we have been procuring paddy from farmers twice a year at a support price to strengthen their economic foundation under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the active cooperation of our Chief Minister. This process has continued uninterrupted since the government’s inception,” he said.
The minister informed that, following the directives of the Central Government, the Food Department, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, has set a target of procuring 20,710 metric tonnes of paddy during the current procurement season.
He said a comprehensive review meeting was held through video conference in presence of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath, senior officials of the Food and Agriculture departments, including the Principal Secretary, Directors of Food, Agriculture and Marketing, along with SDMs and elected representatives of Panchayat Samitis from across the state.
“We have decided to commence paddy procurement at the support price from July 10. The Cabinet, chaired by the Chief Minister, has already approved the paddy procurement policy. This time, permanent Cabinet approval has been secured so that the procurement process continues smoothly with the objective of doubling farmers’ income,” Chowdhury said.
The minister added that Chief Minister Manik Saha will inaugurate the procurement drive at Kakraban on July 10 in the presence of Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath, himself, and senior departmental officials.
“Through the joint efforts of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department and the Food Department, we are committed to continuing this paddy procurement process for as long as we remain in government. Strengthening the economic foundation of our farmers remains our top priority, and under Prime Minister Modi’s vision of doubling farmers’ income, this initiative will continue,” he added.
