Has Assam Achieved a Record in Paddy Procurement for Kharif Season 2024–25?

Guwahati, July 1 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, declared a groundbreaking achievement in the state's agricultural landscape, with an unprecedented procurement of 6.97 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of paddy throughout the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024–25 -- marking the highest level ever recorded.

This remarkable figure represents a jaw-dropping 122 percent increase from last year's procurement of 3.14 lakh MT and exceeds the 5.92 lakh MT procured in the 2022–23 season.

Chief Minister Sarma credited this success to the state government’s initiatives aimed at bolstering market connections for farmers and ensuring prompt disbursement of Minimum Support Price (MSP).

"This extraordinary accomplishment demonstrates our dedication to linking farmers with markets and guaranteeing that they receive the MSP they deserve," stated CM Sarma.

He expressed appreciation to all officials and stakeholders who played a role in the procurement process.

"This record-setting figure highlights the effectiveness of the government's enhanced procurement policies and farmer-focused initiatives, which ensure improved market access and equitable pricing for producers," he added.

The latest statistics also reveal consistent advancements in Assam's agricultural procurement framework.

Officials believe this growth is due to expanded procurement centers, digitized procedures, and heightened MSP awareness among farmers.

With rural incomes and food security on the rise, the state government aims to further refine distribution and storage infrastructure to maintain this positive momentum in future seasons.

The increase in procurement illustrates the state's commitment to enhancing farmer welfare through structured agricultural policies, including direct benefit transfers and streamlined procurement processes.

Officials attribute the progress to improved infrastructure, digital oversight, and the establishment of more procurement centers.

Farmers' organizations have welcomed this development, labeling it a "positive move" toward stabilizing income levels.

However, some have called for broader procurement coverage to support marginal farmers in remote regions.

Given Assam's agrarian economy heavily depends on paddy cultivation, this record procurement signifies a potential boost in rural income and food security.

The state government has committed to maintaining this momentum, with plans to modernize storage facilities and ramp up MSP awareness campaigns ahead of the next season.

As celebrations take place, the focus now shifts to effective distribution and ensuring farmers gain long-term advantages from this achievement.