Assam to probe claims of paddy bought below support price as Moran projects unveiled

The Assam government will examine allegations that rice mill owners in Dibrugarh are buying paddy from farmers below the minimum support price, amid concerns over fair returns to growers.

 

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said reports of paddy being purchased at Rs 1,500–Rs 1,700 per quintal, against the government-fixed rate of Rs 2,200, should not occur and would be investigated. He added that paddy procurement in the state has been rising steadily, with about 8.5 lakh metric tonnes procured last year and a target of 10 lakh metric tonnes set for the current season. Any irregularities in Dibrugarh would be closely monitored, he said.

 

The remarks were made during a public programme in Moran, where several development projects were unveiled. A rural sports complex at Abhaypur, built at a cost of about Rs 12.32 crore, was inaugurated, while foundation stones were laid for three major infrastructure works.

 

These include a new sub-divisional officer’s office at Tingkhong costing Rs 19.50 crore, the upgradation of a 9.3-km stretch of road from Moran Town Club to Lukumari under the Assam Mala 3.0 scheme at Rs 36.92 crore, and a new building for the Moran police station under the MOITRI scheme at a cost of Rs 2.15 crore.

 

During the event, financial assistance was also distributed to 23,791 women from the Tingkhong Assembly constituency under the state’s women entrepreneurship scheme.

 

Several ministers and legislators were present at the programme.