District agriculture department urges farmers to sell paddy only to government agencies

HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Dec 9: The government of Assam has taken special measures to purchase paddy produced by farmers at reasonable prices this year as in the previous year under the ambitious scheme of the central government.
It is noteworthy that the Union government has announced the minimum support price for paddy at Rs 2040 per quintal for the year 2022-23. Food Corporation of India (FCI), Assam Food and Civil Supplies Corporation Limited (AFCSCL), Assam State Marketing Council (ASAMB) in collaboration with Sonitpur District Agriculture Department, District Administration have already set up procurement centres at various places.
Food Corporation of India (FCI) through Dhekiajuli, Bindukuri, Tini Mile and Food and Civil Supplies Corporation Limited (AFCSCL) through Gejengaguri, Barsola and 18 Mile, Jamuguri and Assam State Marketing Council (ASAMB) at Dhekiajuli. The farmers have been urged to sell their paddy at the paddy procurement centres. The government has set a target of procurement of 38,300 (38,300) MT of paddy in Sonitpur district this year, of which 20,000 MT to FCI, 18,000 MT to AFCSCL and 300 MT to ASAMB. Farmers have to register their names first and then get the signature of the Gaon Pradhan on the registration form to sell paddy. Farmer certificates can be collected from the Agricultural Development officer. There are several things that farmers have to pay attention to when selling the paddy; the paddy should be clean, dry, ripe, bright, uniform colour, size, defect free, insect free, odourless, soil and sand free, and moisture content up to 17 percent.
The farmers were also urged to contact their local agricultural extension assistants, agricultural development officers or district agriculture office for any difficulties they face in selling paddy.