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TFP Bureau, Raipur, December 16, 2024: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the state has successfully procured a total of 50 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from farmers at the support price. The procurement process is progressing efficiently across various divisions, with significant quantities collected in Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Bastar, and Surguja divisions.
As of now, 14.52 lakh metric tonnes have been procured in the Raipur division, 9.76 lakh metric tonnes in Bilaspur, 17.79 lakh metric tonnes in Durg, 4.13 lakh metric tonnes in Bastar, and 3.80 lakh metric tonnes in Surguja. The total number of registered farmers in the state is 27.78 lakh, with 10.66 lakh farmers, including 2.92 lakh small and marginal farmers, already selling their paddy at the support price.
To ensure timely payments, a total of Rs 10,770 crore has been transferred to the Apex Bank by the Marketing Federation. The funds are being transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts, and micro ATMs have been set up at procurement centers to facilitate easy access to payments. Additionally, District Cooperative Central Banks have been instructed to maintain adequate cash availability at procurement centers to avoid any inconvenience for farmers.
Efficient Management of Gunny Bags and Storage Capacity
The state has made special arrangements for gunny bags required for paddy procurement, following the Government of India’s policy to use old and new bags in a 50:50 ratio. A total of 4 lakh bundles of new gunny bags are needed for the procurement of 160 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, of which 3.65 lakh bundles have already been provided. The remaining bags are expected to arrive within the next 15 to 20 days. Procurement centers are well-stocked, with no shortages reported in PDS, Miller, or Kisan bags.
To address storage needs, the state has increased its storage capacity to 37.25 lakh metric tonnes this year. In cases where the capacity is exceeded, paddy is being transported to nearby centers, with transport orders for 9.09 lakh metric tonnes already issued.
Strict Monitoring and Prevention of Illegal Activities
The state has implemented strict measures to prevent any illegal activities, such as recycling, during paddy procurement. To date, 733 cases have been registered, and 41,303 quintals of illegal paddy have been seized. The government has set up 273 checkposts in border districts to ensure regular monitoring, and physical verification of data is being carried out at procurement centers.
The Food Department reports that the strike by rice millers is gradually coming to an end, with a continuous increase in the registration of rice mills, as well as in permission contracts and milling contracts. Applications from 2,133 millers have been received for custom milling, and 1,672 rice millers have been successfully registered. Distribution orders for 3.37 lakh metric tonnes of paddy have already been issued to these millers.
Overall, the procurement and distribution process continues to move forward efficiently, ensuring that farmers receive fair prices and timely payments for their paddy.
