Chhattisgarh Paddy Procurement Standoff: Farmers Demand Earlier Start as Political Tensions Rise

Bhopal:

Across Chhattisgarh's verdant landscape, ripened paddy glistens in the sun, yet political tensions surrounding procurement are intensifying more rapidly than the harvest itself. A significant standoff is evolving into a major political controversy as farmers advocate for paddy purchases to commence on November 1, while the governing administration remains committed to November 15 as the starting date for the 2025-26 kharif marketing season.

In this region often referred to as India's "rice bowl," paddy procurement represents far more than an agricultural transaction for local farmers—it serves as a barometer for political sentiment.

Approximately 2.7 million registered farmers rely on government procurement programs.

During the previous season, authorities purchased 1.49 lakh metric tons of paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal, with total disbursements exceeding Rs 46,000 crore. This season, farmers are advocating not only for an earlier procurement date but also for an increased Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 3,286 per quintal, citing escalating production costs and potential crop deterioration due to procurement delays.

The Congress opposition has readily embraced this issue, claiming that the BJP-led state government has "violated farmers' trust."

"The government's intention to begin procurement on November 15 is simply unacceptable," stated Sushil Anand Shukla, Communications Head for Congress. "Farmers' crops are ready for harvest now. Each day of delay increases the risk of damage. Procurement must start on November 1, and the price should be Rs 3,286 per quintal. Anything less constitutes an injustice."

Agricultural organizations share this perspective, highlighting practical concerns from the field.

"Moisture content is rapidly decreasing. Farmers are currently storing their paddy outdoors beneath tarpaulin coverings. A single unseasonable rainfall could destroy everything," explained Rupan Chandrakar, an agricultural leader from Dhamtari.

Nevertheless, government officials remain steadfast in their position. Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam defended the established timeline, attributing delays to unexpected rainfall patterns.

"We remain committed to purchasing 21 quintals per acre as previously promised. The procurement process will begin in November with timely payments guaranteed. Farmers have no cause for concern," he assured.

Yet throughout rural Chhattisgarh, anxiety has already taken hold. For numerous farmers, continued waiting is impractical. While storage facilities overflow and fields stand cleared, procurement centers remain non-operational.

"The harvest is ready—only the government isn't," one farmer in Kawardha informed NDTV, expressing a frustration that resonates across districts including Dhamtari, Balod, and Mahasamund.

This conflict conceals deeper political implications.

In a state where paddy procurement significantly influenced previous electoral outcomes—particularly in 2018 when Congress's pledge of higher MSP facilitated their rise to power—the current BJP administration cannot risk appearing indifferent.

State authorities have initiated preparations by establishing procurement centers and validating farmer registrations.

Officials indicate that payments will be transferred directly into farmers' accounts to ensure complete transparency.

However, opposition leaders maintain that the critical issue isn't the payment mechanism but rather the timing of procurement.