North Bastar Kanker, November 14, 2024:Today marked the start of paddy procurement in Chhattisgarh, with a support price of ₹3,100 per quintal bringing joy and satisfaction to the farmers across the state. From early morning, farmers eagerly gathered at procurement centers, where paddy was weighed after a traditional ritual of worshipping the scales and weights. This unprecedented rate, combined with a direct payment initiative by the government, has given farmers a sense of respect and value for their hard work, as shared by several attendees.
Farmers at various procurement centers expressed their gratitude towards Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai’s government, calling it the first administration to truly recognize and value the contributions of Chhattisgarh’s farming community.
**True Respect for Farmers: A Historic Step**
The Agricultural Market in Charama saw a steady stream of farmers from 9 a.m., with 58-year-old Rajendra Sahu from Jaisakarra village praising the government’s initiative. “Purchasing paddy at ₹3,100 per quintal truly honors the hardworking farmers,” he said, appreciating the government’s acknowledgment of their toil. Similarly, Jagdish Ram Sahu from Dallidih, who brought 25 quintals of paddy, expressed his excitement at receiving direct payment, which he plans to invest in farm improvements. Women farmers, like Godavari Sahu from Charbhata, shared how this rate would help meet their family’s needs.
Charama’s committee manager reported that a total of 31 farmers received tokens to sell their paddy on this opening day.
**Selling Paddy at ₹3,100 Feels Like a Dream Come True: Farmers Speak**
Sonasai, a farmer from Ranwah village, Bhanupratappur block, brought his harvest of 95 bags of paddy to the Korar procurement center. Reflecting on this government’s initiative, he remarked, “Selling paddy at ₹3,100 per quintal feels like a dream fulfilled.” Farmers like Puran Singh Nayak, Ramcharan Kunjam, Guddi Bai, and Sumitra Sahu also expressed their appreciation, hailing this as one of the most impactful steps taken to improve farmers’ lives.
In Kanker block’s Markatola Lamps, Kansalal Rawate, a 59-year-old farmer, expressed gratitude towards the Chief Minister for such a fair price, noting his 13-acre farm’s paddy yield. Meanwhile, Prabha Bai Gawar from Babudbena brought in 103 quintals of paddy and plans to save her earnings for future needs. She thanked the Chief Minister for ensuring a smooth procurement process. Brijlal Kavachi, an elderly farmer from Bardevari, was equally appreciative, calling it an extraordinary measure for farmers like him with significant yields.
This historic initiative to purchase paddy at ₹3,100 per quintal, announced as part of the “Modi Guarantee” under Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai’s leadership, began with a festive spirit today. Following the guidance of Collector Nilesh Mahadev Kshirsagar, all 149 procurement centers in the district commenced paddy purchasing with full preparations, including the traditional rituals. The government has ensured that payment will be transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts, making this a momentous and promising season for Chhattisgarh’s agricultural community.
