At 6.9 lakh MT, Assam hits all-time high kharif paddy procurement: CM

By Mukut Das

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced the state achieved its highest-ever paddy procurement, purchasing nearly seven lakh metric tonnes during the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25. This represents more than a two-fold increase compared to the previous season.

“We are proud to announce the successful conclusion of Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25 with a record paddy procurement of 6.97 lakh MT — the highest ever!” Sarma stated in a post on his X handle. He added that the state procured 3.14 lakh MT during the 2023-24 KMS and 5.92 lakh MT in KMS 2022-23.

“This remarkable achievement reflects our commitment to ensuring that our farmers are connected to markets and the Minimum Support Price they rightfully deserve,” Sarma said. Last month, the CM set a target of procuring 5.85 lakh MT of paddy for the 2024-25 KMS.

Sarma also highlighted that Assam’s agricultural products are catering to the global market due to their high quality and nutrient-rich content. Farmers from Majuli district exported 267 MT of Red Rice to the Middle East and EU markets. He wrote on X, “Assam’s agricultural products are capturing the global market due to their high quality & nutrient-rich content. Recently, farmers from Majuli expanded their reach to the Middle East and EU markets as they exported 267MT of Red Rice- earning higher profits & establishing Brand Assam.”

Additionally, Majuli, a river island district in Assam, achieved a significant milestone as its indigenous organic red bao paddy made its debut in the global market. The first consignment of this unique rice variety was exported to countries in Central Asia and Europe.

This article has been republished from The Times of India.