What is the New MSP for Paddy Set by TN Govt?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- New MSP for 'Grade A' paddy: Rs 2,545
- New MSP for common variety: Rs 2,500
- Procurement begins on September 1
- Farmers encouraged to sell at designated centres
- Government prioritizes farmers' welfare
Chennai, Aug 30 (NationPress) The government of Tamil Nadu has officially set new procurement prices for paddy for the kharif marketing season (KMS), starting September 1, establishing the price at Rs 2,545 per quintal for 'Grade A' and Rs 2,500 for the common variety.
The State Food and Civil Supplies Minister, R. Sakkarapani, disclosed that the DMK government has honored its electoral promise by ensuring a minimum procurement price of Rs 2,500 for paddy.
He noted that farmers have been advocating for the realization of this commitment since the party took office in 2021.
The price of Rs 2,545 for 'Grade A' paddy encompasses the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 2,389 established by the Union government, along with a state incentive of Rs 156.
For the common variety, the procurement price of Rs 2,500 is composed of the Centre's MSP of Rs 2,369 and a state incentive of Rs 131.
An official directive from the principal secretary to the Cooperation, Food and Consumer Protection Department has instructed District Collectors in the Cauvery delta area to facilitate the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC) in establishing the necessary number of Direct Procurement Centres to initiate purchases.
In other regions, collectors have been authorized to enable TNCSC, cooperative marketing societies, cooperative credit societies, and the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India to procure paddy directly from farmers.
Emphasizing the government's achievements, Sakkarapani highlighted that in the 51 months since the DMK took office, the state has procured 1.85 crore metric tonnes of paddy, disbursing Rs 44,777.83 crore to farmers.
"Such a remarkable volume of procurement has never been documented in Tamil Nadu before," the minister affirmed.
He encouraged all paddy farmers to sell their produce at the newly established rates through the designated procurement centres to fully benefit from the program.
Reinforcing the government's dedication, he stated that prioritizing farmers' welfare and ensuring equitable returns for their harvest would always be a paramount focus for the state.