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TFP Bureau, Raipur; February 11,2024: In a significant agricultural milestone, the Chhattisgarh state government has procured a staggering 144.92 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from farmers at support price. As part of the ongoing operations, paddy lifting for custom milling is in full swing across the state. Official data reveals that Delivery Orders (DO) have been issued for the lifting of 106.41 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, out of which 102.34 lakh metric tonnes have been successfully lifted by millers. The government has disbursed over Rs 31,913 crore to farmers in exchange for the procured paddy. According to reports from the General Manager of Markfed, the state has purchased the substantial quantity of paddy from 24.72 lakh farmers as of February 4.
Meanwhile, in a bid to ensure food security and bolster nutrition initiatives, the first budget of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai-led Chhattisgarh Government for the fiscal year 2024-25 has earmarked Rs 3,400 crore under the Mukhya Mantri Khadyaan Sahayata Yojana. Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries will receive free food grains for the next five years.
Highlighting further provisions, Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection Minister Shri Dayaldas Baghel announced allocations for various nutritional programs. A budget of Rs 209 crore has been allocated for the distribution of fortified rice to combat malnutrition among women and children. Additionally, Rs 150 crore has been set aside for sugar distribution, Rs 81 crore for jaggery distribution, Rs 400 crore for chickpea distribution under Antyodaya Anna Yojana, and Rs 139 crore for the distribution of iodine salt at subsidized rates. Furthermore, Rs 20 crore has been allotted under the Consumer Welfare Contribution Fund Scheme to support consumer welfare initiatives.
