Guwahati, Jan 15: Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 14 warned against the exploitation of farmers during the ongoing paddy procurement season and said strict legal action would be taken against anyone buying paddy below the minimum support price fixed by the government.
Speaking to the media in Diphu, the Chief Minister said the state government had set the procurement price of paddy at ₹2,670 per quintal and made it clear that the rate was non-negotiable. He cautioned private traders and other buyers against paying farmers less than the notified price, asserting that such practices would not be tolerated. Dr Sarma said the government was closely monitoring procurement activities to ensure farmers received fair and remunerative prices for their produce.
The Chief Minister strongly criticised middlemen and unscrupulous traders, alleging that they often exploited farmers by taking advantage of their limited market access and urgent financial needs, forcing them into distress sales. He said the government remained committed to protecting cultivators from such practices and ensuring that the benefits of government policies reached them directly.
Reiterating the state’s pro-farmer approach, Dr Sarma said safeguarding the interests of farmers continued to be a top priority for the Assam government. He added that enforcement mechanisms were in place and any violation of procurement norms would attract punitive action as per law.
In an announcement aimed at strengthening local procurement infrastructure, the Chief Minister said the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council was considering setting up rice mills in each Legislative Autonomous Council under its jurisdiction. He said the initiative would help reduce farmers’ dependence on private traders, promote local value addition and ensure smoother procurement at fair prices.
Dr Sarma said the proposed move was expected to empower farmers economically while contributing to long-term agricultural sustainability in the hill districts by creating local processing capacity and employment opportunities.
