Assam Sets Ambitious Target to Purchase 1 Million Metric Tons of Rice Annually

Guwahati, August 24: Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Monday that the state government has set an ambitious target to purchase 1 million metric tons of rice each year. This initiative aims to provide farmers with the benefits of a higher Minimum Support Price (MSP) and assured procurement.

During his address, Chief Minister Sarma revealed that within the first 100 days of his administration, the government has already procured over 200,000 metric tons of rice directly from farmers.

The primary goal of this initiative is to strengthen the agricultural economy and provide farmers with a reliable procurement mechanism for their produce. The annual target of 1 million metric tons is expected to significantly increase the scope of government-supported rice procurement in Assam, ensuring better price assurance for farmers.

This announcement comes as part of the state government’s focused efforts to enhance farmers’ incomes and strengthen the agricultural sector through assured markets and improved procurement systems.

Direct procurement from farmers is also intended to ensure that producers benefit from the declared Minimum Support Price (MSP) and reduce their dependence on volatile market prices.

Chief Minister Sarma highlighted the procurement achieved in the first 100 days as a significant milestone towards meeting the larger annual target.

The government is now expected to scale up procurement activities across the state to achieve the 1 million metric ton goal and ensure broader participation of farmers in the procurement process.

This initiative is part of the Assam government’s comprehensive efforts to improve agricultural livelihoods and provide robust economic support to the farming community.