Tripura’s Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Wednesday announced the commencement of the state’s paddy procurement drive, emphasizing that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) will continue to rise each year as long as the BJP-led government remains in power.

Speaking at the inauguration of the drive in Dharmanagar, North Tripura, Chowdhury said, “Our government has decided to procure paddy from farmers at the MSP. This year, the procurement begins in the North District, with nearly 18,000 metric tonnes planned across the state’s eight districts.”

The government has set the MSP at Rs 23.69 per kg for the current procurement season. The process will be carried out through 50 paddy procurement centres statewide.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, and Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Chowdhury said their support helped resolve administrative challenges, enabling the smooth implementation of the drive.

“To strengthen farmers’ economic conditions, the state government has maintained this paddy procurement initiative. As long as our government is in power, it will continue, and the MSP will keep rising,” he added.

Chowdhury also highlighted the growth in MSP since the BJP-led government came to power in 2018–19. “The MSP was Rs 17.50 per kg at that time. Today, it stands at Rs 23.69 per kg, and we are committed to increasing it every year,” he said, taking a subtle dig at the previous Left Front government for allegedly neglecting farmers’ welfare.

He further noted that India has now become a global leader in paddy production and procurement. “Last year, around 17,000 metric tonnes of paddy were procured in the state,” Chowdhury added.