Raise Paddy Procurement Ceiling : CPIM
Agartala Feb 13: A delegation of Left legislators on Friday urged Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sushanta Chowdhury to substantially expand the state’s paddy procurement operations, with particular emphasis on increasing the overall procurement volume and revising the existing ceiling.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, senior CPIM MLA Syamal Chakraborty said the delegation strongly raised concerns that the current procurement level covers only a small fraction of the state’s total paddy output. He pointed out that the government presently procures barely two per cent of overall production, leaving a large section of farmers outside the support framework.
The Left legislators demanded that the state government explore all possible avenues to enhance procurement so that more cultivators can sell their produce at assured prices. They argued that expanding the coverage would provide crucial financial relief to farmers and strengthen the agricultural economy.
Responding to the demand, the Minister informed the delegation that the Centre has fixed a seasonal procurement limit of 18,000 metric tonnes for the state. He reportedly assured them that once 50 per cent of the allocated quantity is procured, his department would approach the Union government to seek an upward revision of the quota.
The delegation also highlighted the restriction that allows each farmer to sell a maximum of five metric tonnes under the current rules, suggesting that such limitations reduce the scheme’s overall reach. They urged the government to re-examine both the procurement ceiling and the farmer-wise cap to ensure broader participation.
Seven CPIM MLAs, including Chakraborty, attended the meeting at the Minister’s official chamber in the Civil Secretariat, reiterating their call for a more inclusive and expanded procurement policy.
Chakraborty stated that the legislators informed the Minister about alleged interference in the functioning of Village Level Workers (VLWs), who are responsible for verifying and certifying farmers eligible to sell paddy under the government scheme. Traditionally, VLWs inspect agricultural land and confirm genuine cultivators before issuing eligibility slips. However, he claimed that this established procedure has reportedly been disrupted at certain locations by vested interests.
He said the Minister assured the delegation that only slips issued by authorised VLWs would be recognised as valid proof for procurement and beneficiary selection, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the system.