Chhattisgarh, Nov 16 : On Saturday opened its annual paddy procurement season under a significantly strengthened digital and administrative framework, with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stressing that transparency, efficiency and timely payments will drive operations across all districts.
The state government has issued detailed instructions to district authorities to ensure that procurement centres run smoothly and that farmers do not face any inconvenience during the season. Officials said all centres have been fully equipped with essential facilities, and departments have been directed to strictly follow timelines for purchasing, weighing, transportation and payment processing. This year’s exercise, they added, is being treated as a test case for a more accountable and technology-driven model.
To bolster monitoring and eliminate delays, the state has rolled out an expanded suite of digital tools, including the Tuhar Token app for queue management, GPS-based tracking for paddy transportation, the Satark application for real-time reporting, and a centralised command-and-control system. Authorities said the integrated platform will curb irregularities, streamline movement of produce, prevent overcrowding and enhance end-to-end oversight from procurement point to storage.
Chief Minister Sai described the launch of the procurement season as a tribute to the contribution of farmers, calling them “the backbone of Chhattisgarh’s rural economy.” He said the new reforms demonstrate the government’s commitment to fair procurement and hassle-free payments.
Across several districts, an atmosphere of anticipation was reported as the season began. Officials noted that a combination of expanded infrastructure, clearer protocols and improved digital systems is expected to make this year’s procurement process smoother than previous ones.
The government said the coming weeks will be crucial in evaluating the impact of the reforms introduced this year. Senior officials have been instructed to remain in the field and conduct regular reviews to ensure that operations remain transparent and fully compliant with established norms.