Raipur, Oct 12 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai, has formally instructed all district collectors and commissioners to initiate the process of paddy procurement across the state starting November 15.

This directive was issued during a significant meeting held in Nava Raipur, where the Chief Minister meticulously examined the preparatory measures and provided stringent guidelines to facilitate the procurement process.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Sai stressed the importance of accountability this season, warning that any procurement irregularities will result in serious consequences, holding collectors directly accountable.

To ensure a seamless and transparent operation, he urged district collectors to commence groundwork immediately and instructed secretaries-in-charge to closely monitor activities, especially at sensitive procurement sites.

The Integrated Command and Control Centre will be utilized to enhance oversight. Particular focus will be given to interstate border regions, with increased surveillance to prevent cross-border discrepancies.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister highlighted the necessity for inclusive registration, directing collectors to guarantee 100 percent registration of farmers from Specially Backward Tribes through dedicated camps.

Alongside procurement initiatives, Chief Minister Sai also discussed the execution of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. Officers were instructed to ensure that no eligible farmer is excluded from the benefits, and collectors were tasked with establishing clear deadlines for fund disbursement, with commissioners expected to conduct comprehensive reviews of the scheme's implementation.

According to state government statistics, during the 2024–2025 season, Chhattisgarh plans to procure 149.25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy, reflecting an increase from the previous year's 144.92 LMT in 2023–2024. In the 2022–2023 season, the state achieved a procurement of 92.01 LMT for the Kharif crop by December 2022. The 2021–2022 season saw over 94.57 LMT procured, while the 2020–2021 season had a record purchase exceeding 92 LMT.

Special emphasis has been directed towards the Bastar and Surguja divisions, with the Chief Minister urging officials to engage proactively and sensitively with these regions to ensure that farmers in tribal areas receive timely support and are integrated into the state’s agricultural initiatives.

This meeting reflects the government’s dedication to refining agricultural operations and ensuring farmer welfare. With paddy procurement being a vital seasonal activity in Chhattisgarh, the administration is committed to creating a smooth and transparent process that benefits all eligible farmers.