Raipur: During a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in Raipur, it was resolved to increase the quantity of paddy purchased from farmers per acre. The decision now allows for the procurement of 20 quintals of paddy per acre, a move laden with political significance as the elections loom.

Moreover, CM Bhupesh Baghel’s cabinet deliberated on several other pivotal matters during the meeting. One of the crucial determinations was the policy for the procurement and custom milling of paddy and maize at support prices in the forthcoming Kharif season of 2023-24. Under this policy, paddy and maize will be procured at the support prices established by the Government of India.

The cabinet meeting also designated specific dates for the procurement of paddy. According to the decision, the acquisition of Kharif Paddy at the support price will transpire between November 31, 2023, and January 2024. Similarly, Kharif maize will be procured from November 28, 2023, to February 20, 2024. These measures are set to benefit a substantial number of farmers in the state, with more than a lakh farmers already registered to sell paddy.

The move to increase the amount of paddy purchased per acre demonstrates the Congress government’s commitment to addressing the concerns and needs of Chhattisgarh’s agricultural community. It also underscores the political significance of garnering support from farmers in the upcoming assembly elections, making this decision a pivotal one for the state’s political landscape.