Raipur-The ongoing paddy procurement campaign in Chhattisgarh, led by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, has achieved a historic milestone this year. As of January 13, 2026, in the Kharif marketing year 2025-26, 105.14 lakh metric tonnes of paddy has been procured from 17,77,419 farmers, for which a record amount of ₹23,448 crore has been paid to farmers. This represents the highest procurement and highest payment as of January 13 compared to any previous year. This achievement is even more pronounced when compared to data from previous years as of January 13. In the Kharif marketing year 2020-21, 72.15 lakh metric tonnes of paddy had been procured from 17,49,003 farmers as of January 13, and a payment of ₹13,550 crore had been made. In the year 2021-22, till the same period, 68.77 crore rupees of paddy was procured from 17,09,834 farmers, for which ₹13,410 crore was given to the farmers. In the Kharif marketing year 2022-23, till January 13, 97.67 crore rupees of paddy was procured from 22,14,302 farmers and ₹20,022 crore was paid. Compared to all these years, in the year 2025-26, both the quantity of paddy procured and the amount distributed to the farmers have reached the highest level. The data clearly shows that while 72.15 crore rupees of paddy was purchased in 2020-21, 68.77 crore rupees in 2021-22, and 97.67 crore rupees in 2022-23, in 2025-26, only 105.14 crore rupees of paddy has been purchased as of January 13th, a new record in itself. Similarly, the amount received by farmers has also increased to ₹23,448 crore. This historic increase is a testament to the state government's transparent procurement system, timely payment system, and farmer-friendly policies have strengthened the confidence of the state's farmers. Farmers are receiving fair prices for their produce on time, strengthening their economic condition and giving new impetus to the rural economy. The state government is clearly committed to purchasing every grain from every eligible farmer and making timely payments, so that the farmers of Chhattisgarh can become more prosperous, self-reliant, and secure. It is noteworthy that the state government has ensured strict action against shortages and irregularities in the storage of paddy procured at the support price in the Kharif marketing year 2024-25. Show-cause notices were issued to the center in-charges at those storage centers where shortages of more than 0.5 percent and less than 1 percent were found. Departmental inquiries were initiated when shortages of 0.1 to 0.2 percent were found. Center in-charges with shortages of more than 0.2 percent were suspended and departmental inquiries were instituted. FIRs were registered if they were found guilty. In the past two years, show-cause notices were issued to a total of 33 food inspectors and food officers for irregularities and negligence in paddy procurement and storage.In two cases, FIRs were filed against collection center in-charges, and one collection center in-charge was suspended. This clearly demonstrates the government's zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and negligence. In accordance with government directives regarding the drought in the 2023-24 Kharif marketing year, show-cause notices have been issued against six District Marketing Officers and six collection center in-charges. This step is a decisive step toward strengthening administrative accountability and preventing future negligence. It is noteworthy that in 2018-19, 80.38 lakh metric tons of paddy was procured from a total area of ​​25.61 lakh hectares. During the current government's tenure, the scope, quantity, and direct benefits to farmers have increased to historic levels. It is noteworthy that the Government of India had set a target of 78 lakh metric tons of rice under the Central Pool, against which approximately 116 lakh metric tons of paddy was procured. The remaining paddy was disposed of through auction. Due to the limited storage capacity of the SNP to mill the rice received as per the central target, the final disposal of paddy took approximately 12 to 15 months, which made it possible for storage centers to dry up. Currently, the lifting of paddy stored in storage centers under the Kharif Marketing Year 2024-25 is underway, and the lifting of paddy sold through auction is underway. The actual assessment of total dryness will be possible only after the entire paddy is disposed of. This is a clear message from the state government that the money, grain, and trust of farmers will not be compromised at any level. The entire process of paddy procurement, payment, storage, and disposal is transparent, accountable, and under technical supervision so that every farmer benefits from timely payment and a secure system.It is kept under accountable and technical monitoring so that every farmer gets the benefit of timely payment and safe system.It is kept under accountable and technical monitoring so that every farmer gets the benefit of timely payment and safe system.