Amid the farmers' ongoing protest at the Delhi borders to repeal the newly formed Farm Laws, Chhattisgarh farmers have sold a record number of 95.38 per cent of paddy in Kharif marketing year 2020-21.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupesh Bhagel, the Chhattisgarh govt said that out of 21 lakh 52 thousand 475 farmers, 20 lakh 53 thousand 483 farmers have sold their paddy this year, which is the highest in the last 20 years.
According to the statement released by the Baghel government, the number of farmers selling paddy on MSP, the area of paddy sold and the percentage of farmers sellers has significantly increased.
Chhattisgarh has created a new record of purchasing more than 92 lakh metric tonnes of paddy in the year 2020-21. Compared to last six years, the percentage of farmers selling paddy in 2020-21 is 95.38 per cent, which is the highest ever since the state was formed.
This year the total number of registered paddy farmers, which was around 19 lakh last year, has gone up to 21.47 lakh, which includes 2.45 lakh new farmers.
Out of 16 lakh 96 thousand 765 farmers registered in the year 2018-19, 15 lakh 71 thousand 414 farmers sold paddy, which is 92.6 per cent. Similarly, out of 19 lakh 55 thousand 544 farmers registered in the year 2019-20, 18 lakh 38 thousand 593 farmers have sold their paddy, which is 94.02 per cent.
Though the state witnessed an adverse situation after the pandemic hit the country but farmers along with the support of the state government were able to sell a record number of paddy, according to a statement of the Chhattisgarh government. "Smooth availability of gunny bags was ensured through several alternative arrangements to overcome the shortage of gunny bags. Payments to farmers were continuous. In addition to custom milling, lifting of paddy in the collection centers is also continuing. Paddy procurement has been done peacefully and smoothly in the state."
The state also witnessed a good increase in the area of farming and farming in the state in the last two years. The area of registration of paddy cultivation has reached more than 27 lakh hectares and the number of registered farmers has reached 21 lakh 52 thousand.
According to the statement released by the Chhatisgarh government, there has also been a significant increase in the amount of area registered for paddy procurement in the last 6 years and the amount of paddy acquired, in the year 2015-16, 21 lakh 26 thousand hectare lands were registered and on support price of 59 lakh metric tonnes was purchased.
The area registered in the year 2018-19 was 25 lakh 60 thousand hectare and 80 lakh metric ton of paddy was purchased. The area registered in the year 2019-20 was 26 lakh 88 thousand hectares and 83 lakh metric tonnes of paddy were purchased.
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel took the decision to waive off farmer loans and irrigation tax as soon as he came into power which came as a huge relief to the farmers. They were further empowered by providing 10 thousand rupees per acre of agricultural input assistance under Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana.
Under this scheme, farmers of the state are being provided direct assistance of Rs. 5750 crore. The amount of three installments has also been transferred to the farmers' accounts and the fourth installment amount will be transferred by March.