Raipur. During the Question Hour on the second day of the budget session of the Assembly, the opposition created a ruckus in the House demanding extension of time for paddy procurement. Former CM Bhupesh Baghel said that many farmers have not been able to sell paddy. The time limit for purchase should be extended. As soon as the Food Minister refused on this, the opposition walked out of the House. After some time, the proceedings of the House started again.
Congress MLA Umesh Patel tried to corner the government on the issue of paddy procurement during question hour. He asked what is the registered area of paddy sold by farmers? Food Minister Dayaldas Baghel admitted that the area of paddy procurement has decreased since last year, but the number of farmers selling paddy has increased. He told that the area of paddy sold is 27.92 lakh hectares.
On this, Umesh Patel said that this is the first time in the history of Chhattisgarh that the area of paddy sold has decreased. Last time the area was 29.06 lakh hectares. If seen in proportion, less paddy has been purchased. On this, the Food Minister said that the area of paddy procurement is less than last year. But since last year, more than one lakh farmers have sold paddy.
