Raipur, 18 July 2025
Considering the interests of the farmers of the state as paramount, the Chhattisgarh government has procured 149.25 lakh metric tonnes of paddy at the support price in the Kharif marketing year 2024-25, which is the highest quantity ever since the formation of the state. The procured paddy is being disposed of promptly through custom milling. By the end of paddy procurement, the state had achieved the target of procuring 70 lakh metric tonnes of rice under the central pool. Combined with the target of the state pool required for the welfare schemes and public distribution system of the state, a total quantity of 118.17 lakh metric tonnes of paddy has been determined for disposal through custom milling. Taking a decision in the interest of the farmers, the state government has decided to dispose of the excess paddy through auction. So far, buyer orders have been issued for 19 lakh metric tonnes of paddy through auction, and it is also being lifted promptly by the concerned buyers and millers. All necessary precautions have been ensured by the Food Department for the safety of the remaining stored paddy in the storage centres of the state.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai continuously communicated and urged the Central Government to fulfill the commitment of buying every grain of paddy from the farmers of the state. In this sequence, on 24 June 2025, he met Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri Prahlad Joshi in New Delhi and requested to increase the rice procurement target under the Central Pool.
The continuous efforts of Chief Minister Shri Sai have brought positive results. The Government of India has increased the rice procurement target from 70 lakh metric tonnes to 78 lakh metric tonnes on 18 July 2025. This decision is not only important in the interest of farmers, but it has also saved the state government from a potential financial loss of about Rs 1200 crore. This increase in the rice procurement target will have a positive impact on the fiscal situation of the state. Along with this, the implementation of various welfare schemes run by the state government in the interest of farmers will also gain momentum.
Expressing gratitude to the Government of India for this decision, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that this cooperation is a reflection of the coordinated farmer-friendly policy of the Center and the State. The Chief Minister reiterated the commitment of the State Government towards the demands raised from time to time by the Miller Association and farmers of the state and assured them that all suggestions and requirements will be acted upon with a positive attitude.
