Cachar clamps down on paddy trade, mandates sale through govt centres at MSP

Silchar: Cachar district administration has tightened regulations on paddy procurement, mandating that farmers sell their produce exclusively through govt-notified Paddy Procurement Centres (PPCs) and strictly at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), officials said on Friday.In a detailed notification issued by the office of the district commissioner, the administration reiterated that all procurement activities in the district will be governed by the Assam Paddy and Rice Procurement (Levy and Licensing) Permanent Order, 1995, with immediate effect and until further orders.The order bars any purchase or sale of paddy below the MSP fixed by the Centre for the current kharif marketing season and prohibits transactions through unauthorised traders, agents or organisations not licensed under the 1995 order.

The directive applies uniformly to farmers, traders, commission agents, millers and procurement agencies.To strengthen oversight over the movement of agricultural produce, the administration has also imposed restrictions on inter-district transportation of paddy. No paddy will be allowed to be transported or sold outside Cachar without prior authorisation from the competent authority, as required under the procurement norms.

All traders, millers, transporters and procurement agencies have been directed to strictly comply with licensing conditions, levy obligations, stock declarations and movement regulations. Any violation will invite stringent action under the 1995 Permanent Order, the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and other applicable laws, the notification warned.Officials said the measures are aimed at preventing exploitation by unauthorised intermediaries, ensuring farmers receive the full benefit of MSP, and maintaining a transparent and orderly procurement system in the district.