The Congress party has called on the State Government to begin paddy procurement from November 1. In a statement, State Congress President Baij emphasised that paddy procurement traditionally starts on this date. With favorable rains and a good crop yield this year, Baij highlighted the potential for a higher paddy production. He urged the government to increase the procurement target to 200 lakh metric tonne to ensure the purchase of the entire harvest from farmers. Baij expressed concern that the Cabinet sub-committee for paddy procurement has yet to make a decision, causing anxiety among farmers. He stressed the importance of starting preparations now to ensure a smooth procurement process from November 1.

 

Reflecting on the previous year’s procurement, Baij noted that when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government came to power during the 2023 Kharif crop season, the state saw a record paddy production due to the Congress government’s good governance. A total of 144.92 lakh metric tonne of paddy was procured at the support price, surpassing the estimated 130 lakh metric tonnes. However, Baij criticised the BJP-led state government for failing to develop a proper action plan for storage, milling, and rice procurement.He pointed out that due to mismanagement, by September 2024, 4,16,410 quintals of paddy remained uncollected at procurement centers, while 21,77,470 quintals were still at storage centers. This uncollected paddy, valued at Rs 166.56 crore, has been destroyed, causing a national loss. The remaining paddy, valued at Rs 870.99 crore, has been damaged by water, leading to reluctance from rice millers to lift it for custom milling. Baij warned that if this issue persists, it could affect paddy procurement this year as well.