Agartala, January 28, 2026: The state government formally inaugurated its paddy procurement programme for the Kharif season 2025–26 (first crop) in Dharmanagar, North Tripura, on Wednesday afternoon. The event, held at the Vivekananda Swarth Shatabarshiki Bhavan under the initiative of the Dharmanagar Sub-Divisional Food and Agriculture Department, marked the official start of the procurement drive.
Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury presided over the inauguration. Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath, who was scheduled to attend, could not join due to prior commitments.
The programme witnessed a significant turnout of farmers. In a symbolic gesture, they were welcomed with traditional handwoven gamchas crafted by local artisans, adding a cultural dimension to the event.
Prominent guests included North Tripura Zilla Parishad Chairperson Aparna Nath, MLAs Yadav Lal Nath and Shailendra Chandra Nath (CPI-M), along with chairpersons of the Yubarajnagar, Kadamtala, and Kalachhara Panchayat Samitis. Also present were Dharmanagar Municipal Council Chairperson, Food Department Special Secretary Debpriya Bardhan, North Tripura District Magistrate Chandni Chandran, and Additional Secretary Sumit Lodh. The programme was chaired by social worker Kajal Das.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Chowdhury highlighted that the BJP government had fulfilled its 2017 election promise of procuring paddy directly from farmers. Since 2018, the state has been purchasing paddy twice a year at a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹1,750 per quintal.
He noted that nearly 1.25 lakh farmers are currently benefiting from the scheme, with ₹489 crore already disbursed directly to cultivators.
Chowdhury announced that despite minor delays this year, the procurement process will now run for about a month. The state has set a target of 18,000 metric tonnes of paddy across eight districts, including 1,500 metric tonnes from North Tripura. On the inaugural day, paddy was symbolically collected from six farmers representing different villages of Dharmanagar subdivision.
Officials assured that the procurement would be conducted transparently and in strict adherence to guidelines. The minister praised the unique initiative of welcoming farmers with gamchas, calling it a thoughtful gesture by the Agriculture and Food Departments.
Chowdhury reaffirmed that as long as the BJP government remains in power, procurement at MSP will continue. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha for guiding efforts to strengthen farmers’ financial security.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of a lamp, followed by an inaugural song performed by artists of the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
