State Food Supply and Finance Minister Dr. Rameshwar Oraon informed that paddy purchase has been fixed at Rs 1868 per quintal (support price of normal paddy) for the year 2020-21. While a bonus of Rs 182 per quintal will also be given by the State government, thus paddy will be purchased at the rate of Rs 2050 per quintal by the government. He said that due to good rains this year, there has been good cultivation of paddy and it is expected that more paddy will be procured than last year.
Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Cooperative Minister Badal said that the necessary funds have been made available to all districts for the purchase of paddy. He said that in lieu of paddy purchase, payment of 50 per cent amount will be ensured to the farmers within three days of the sale of paddy, the remaining amount will also be transferred to the bank account of the farmers soon. He informed that due to good crop this year, record paddy is expected to be procured. At the same time, necessary steps have also been taken by the state government to eliminate the role of middlemen and ensure maximum profit to the farmers.
Also, extensive arrangements have also been made by Ranchi district administration regarding paddy cultivation. In all the blocks of Ranchi district, 23 paddy buying centers have been set up through lamps. Officers and public servants of the Cooperative Department have been deputed at all paddy procurement centers. A total of six rice mills in Ranchi district have been authorized to receive paddy. CCTV cameras have been installed at these rice mills and deputies have also been deputed.
