Agartala, February 07, 2026: Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Saturday reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening agriculture and improving the socio-economic condition of farmers since assuming office in 2018.

Speaking at a paddy procurement programme held at the government food godown premises at Madhab Bari, Jirania, Chowdhury said, “Since the formation of the present government in 2018, special emphasis has been laid on increasing food grain production and productivity, along with the overall socio-economic development of farmers.”

He said the government has been implementing a series of farmer-centric welfare schemes to achieve the goal of doubling farmers’ income, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Keeping the Prime Minister’s vision in mind, the state government has adopted several measures to ensure fair prices and financial security for farmers,” he added.

Highlighting a landmark decision taken by the government, Chowdhury said that paddy procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) was introduced for the first time in the state from the Rabi season of 2018 to protect farmers from losses caused by falling market prices. “This step has provided much-needed assurance to paddy growers across the state,” he said.

Continuing the initiative, Chowdhury informed that during the current Kharif season, the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, with assistance from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, has set a target of procuring 18,000 metric tonnes of paddy at an MSP of Rs 2,369 per quintal.

“The procurement drive is aimed at ensuring remunerative prices for farmers and strengthening the agricultural economy of the state,” he stated.

The programme was attended by the Governor of Tripura, Indrasena Reddy Nallu, along with senior officials from concerned departments.