Agartala, Dec 19, 2024, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Agartala, Dec 19: Tripura government has started its annual paddy procurement drive on Thursday.

Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath and Food Minister Sushanta Chowdhury inaugurated the programme at Madhav Bari ISBT in Jirania.

According to official press release, this year, the government plans to procure 21 thousand metric tonnes of paddy. The minimum support price (MSP) has been set at Rs 23 per kg, higher than last year’s Rs 21.83.

The procurement will take place through 51 Paddy Procurement Centres across the state. The government has allocated Rs 48 crore for this initiative.

Minister Nath said that farmers’ incomes in Tripura have doubled since 2018. It has increased from Rs 6,580 to Rs 13,590 per month.

He urged farmers to fully utilize their land for cultivation. Nath also mentioned the state’s support through subsidies, modern farming tools and better infrastructure.

Minister Chowdhury assured continued support to farmers. He highlighted that Rs 52 crore was given to farmers affected by this year’s floods.

Since 2018, the government has procured paddy worth Rs 397 crore, directly benefitting over 1,07,000 farmers.

The drive will continue till February 8 next year.