Has Chhattisgarh Begun Its Paddy Procurement for the 2025-26 Kharif Season?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Chhattisgarh's paddy procurement for 2025-26 Kharif season begins on November 15.
- The target is 160 lakh metric tonnes from farmers.
- Procurement runs until January 31, 2026.
- Farmers must register on the Agristat app.
- Payments will be made within 72 hours of sale.
Raipur, Nov 15 (NationPress) The government of Chhattisgarh has officially launched the paddy procurement process for the 2025-26 Kharif marketing season on Saturday, with a target to procure 160 lakh metric tonnes from farmers throughout the state at the minimum support price (MSP).
This procurement initiative will extend from November 15 to January 31, 2026, allowing farmers to sell their harvest at designated centers from Monday to Friday.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has confirmed that all necessary preparations for the paddy procurement are complete and that requisite infrastructure is in place at all procurement centers statewide.
He further stated that explicit instructions have been conveyed to all districts to ensure farmers encounter no obstacles.
Procurement agency surveyors will conduct quality assessments at warehouse levels before stacking, ensuring adherence to established standards.
To protect the stocks, centers are equipped with drainage systems, tarpaulins, and CCTV cameras.
The government has also heightened border vigilance with checkpoints to combat illegal transportation and has vowed to take strict measures against offenders.
In Durg, 102 procurement centers have been set up, although operations commenced at only 34 on Saturday.
Officials aim to procure 6,600 quintals on the inaugural day, with 116 farmers receiving tokens.
This is a notable reduction from last year's opening day, during which 1,233 farmers sold 60,000 quintals.
Of the district's 112,000 registered farmers, 111,000 are enrolled on the Agristat portal, as per government sources.
Chief Minister Sai highlighted the importance of this initiative in supporting farmers, asserting, "This procurement drive guarantees fair compensation and food security."
The MSP for common paddy stands at Rs 2,300 per quintal, while grade-A paddy is priced at Rs 2,320.
Across the state, over 2,500 centers are operational, supported by cooperative societies and the Food Corporation of India.
Farmers are required to register via the Agristat app and secure tokens for a seamless selling experience.
Payments are promised within 72 hours through direct bank transfers.
Analysts emphasize that timely procurement is essential, especially given the fluctuations in market prices and post-harvest losses.
Environmental organizations have applauded the anti-smuggling initiatives aimed at preventing interstate leakages. As the season unfolds, the government strives to surpass last year's total of 15.2 million metric tonnes, reinforcing Chhattisgarh's role as a significant rice provider for the national buffer stock.