Plan aims to reduce dependence on central pool stocks, improve procurement infrastructure and ensure better price realisation for farmers amid low regional procurement

CACP is proposing a dedicated programme to strengthen paddy procurement operations in the North-Eastern region, where procurement levels remain low despite significant local production.

During TE2024–25, the region produced about 74.3 lakh tonnes of rice, but only 4.37 lakh tonnes (5.9 per cent) was procured from Assam and Tripura. Assam accounted for 94.1 per cent of procurement, while Tripura contributed 5.9 per cent, reflecting a narrow procurement base.

The region remains heavily dependent on Central Pool stocks to meet NFSA and Other Welfare Scheme requirements, with total foodgrain allocation of around 27.3 lakh tonnes in 2025–26. This dependence has led to large-scale movement of rice from surplus states such as Punjab and Haryana, resulting in logistics costs exceeding Rs 3,200 crore annually.

The proposed programme seeks to address structural gaps by strengthening storage and warehousing infrastructure, expanding milling capacity, increasing procurement centres, and providing post-harvest facilities such as dryers to help farmers meet FAQ norms. It also includes awareness measures to improve farmer participation in procurement systems.

Officials note that low procurement has contributed to subdued market prices in the region, weakening incentives for farmers to raise productivity or adopt improved technologies. Strengthening procurement is expected to improve price realisation, reduce logistics inefficiencies, and better align procurement with local production patterns.

The initiative is expected to reduce dependence on inter-state grain transfers, improve availability of locally preferred rice varieties, and enhance income stability for farmers in the North-Eastern region.