Chhattisgarh Cabinet Sets Paddy Procurement Price

• 14 Oct 2025

Why in News? 

The Chhattisgarh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, approved key measures for paddy procurement during the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2025-26.  

Key Points 

• Procurement Centres: The paddy procurement for Kharif 2025-26 will begin on 15th November 2025, at a price of Rs 3,100 per quintal, running until 31st January 2026, benefiting over 25 lakh farmers across the state. 
  • A total of 2,739 procurement centres will be established statewide, along with measures to ensure a sufficient supply of new and old jute gunny bags for efficient transport and lifting operations. 
  • The Department of Food, Government of India, has set a target of 73 lakh metric tonnes of rice for the central pool during KMS 2025-26. 
• Payment Process: Farmers will receive payments within six to seven days after selling their produce to cooperative societies. A purchase limit of 21 quintals per acre has been set for paddy procurement. 
• Digital Crop Survey: A digital crop survey covering 23 lakh hectares has mapped paddy cultivation areas, with the data being publicly verified across 20,000 villages. 
• Technology-Driven Initiatives: 
  • ‘Token Tunhar Haath’ Mobile App: Allows farmers to book slots online for selling paddy, reducing waiting times and queues at procurement centres. 
  • Biometric-Based Procurement System: Ensures that purchases are made only from genuine farmers. 
  • E-KYC Requirement: Mandatory e-KYC registration via the AgriStack portal to strengthen transparency and prevent duplication. 
  • Incentives: Cooperative Societies that achieve zero shrinkage or wastage during the season will receive an incentive of Rs 5 per quintal. 
• Monitoring & Control: An Integrated Command and Control Centre will be established at the Markfed office, with district-level control rooms to monitor procurement activities. 
  • District Collectors are instructed to appoint administrative officers as centre-in-charges and form special checking teams to prevent the diversion and recycling of paddy from neighbouring states. 
• Significance: The Chhattisgarh government's strategic steps aim to strengthen its flagship procurement system, promote transparency, and ensure that farmers receive timely payments and fair value for their harvests.