Tripura's Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Sushanta Chowdhury, today said that the state government has procured more than 2.25 lakh metric tonnes of paddy since 2018, directly benefiting over 1.17 lakh farmers and ensuring the transfer of ₹446 crore into their accounts.

Addressing the media, the Minister said the initiative was launched soon after the BJP-led government assumed power in 2018, with the objective of directly procuring paddy from farmers to ensure fair pricing and eliminate middlemen.

“This year, procurement began on July 26, although there were initial delays due to technical reasons. However, the process has now resumed smoothly across 31 procurement centres. Today, paddy is being purchased at 10 locations and will gradually expand to other centres,” Chowdhury said.

He noted that under the current regime, paddy procurement has become a priority policy decision, contrasting it with previous governments. “Such initiatives were missing during the Left Front’s tenure. We have made it clear—both in and outside the Assembly—that as long as our government is in power, paddy procurement will continue uninterrupted,” he added.

According to the Minister, the procurement rate has steadily increased from ₹17.50 per kg in 2018 to ₹23 per kg this year. He also claimed that farmers are now earning between ₹70,000 and ₹1 lakh more than before due to the assured procurement and higher pricing.

“In our first Cabinet meeting, we resolved to begin state-level procurement. Earlier, the narrative was that the Centre should take responsibility. There were protests, but no concrete action. Unlike previous administrations, we are committed to farmers' welfare and have translated promises into policies,” Chowdhury asserted.

For the current season, the state government plans to procure around 30,000 metric tonnes of paddy.