Collector conducts surprise inspection of paddy procurement centres

Show-cause notice issued to Chikhlakasa centre manager for weighing paddy beyond the prescribed limit

Raipur, December 2025 : To ensure that the paddy procurement system at support price remains fully transparent, impartial, and farmer-friendly, Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai has directed strict action wherever required. Under this directive, Balod Collector Mrs. Divya Umesh Mishra conducted a surprise inspection today at various paddy procurement centres in the Doundilohara and Dondi development blocks, closely examining operations and arrangements.

During the inspection, the Collector carefully examined available records at the Ganjhi centre in Doundilohara block, and the Chikhlakasa, Kotagaon, Bharrithola, and Ghotia centres in Dondi block. She reviewed in detail the total quantity of paddy purchased so far, village-wise average yield, the status of acreage submission, and register maintenance.

Strict action over excess quantity found

At the Chikhlakasa procurement centre of Dondi block, the Collector had paddy bags weighed on the spot. In four different bags, the quantity was found to exceed the prescribed standard of 40 kg 680 g, measuring around 41 kg. Expressing strong displeasure over this serious irregularity, Collector Mrs. Mishra reprimanded the committee manager and staff. She instructed that a show-cause notice be issued to Committee Manager Shri Bhagwan Singh Thakur. She made it clear that negligence or violation of rules in the procurement process would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Focus on acreage submission and verification

During the inspection of the Ganjhi centre, the Collector reviewed the status of acreage submission and examined the number of farmers holding tokens, including those owning more than 2 acres and more than 10 acres. She spoke to farmer Shri Deepak Yamle, who had arrived to sell paddy, and advised him to mandatorily submit details of leftover acreage after the sale. Upon learning that he had around 130 quintals of paddy stored at home, she directed a joint team of the Rural Agriculture Extension Officer, Patwari, and other concerned officials to visit the farmer’s house and conduct physical verification.

Strictness regarding quality and moisture testing

Collector Mrs. Mishra inspected the paddy brought for sale and instructed that moisture testing must be carried out using moisture metres. She advised farmers to bring only clean and good-quality paddy for sale.

Important directions to nodal officers and monitoring committees

At the Chikhlakasa centre, the Collector interacted with the nodal officer, committee manager, and members of the monitoring committee to review arrangements. After inspecting the acreage submission register, she reviewed the number of farmers who had submitted acreage details so far. She instructed that nodal officers and monitoring committee members must be present at the procurement centre every morning to ensure smooth procurement operations.

She also directed that in cases of double tokens, paddy should be purchased only after acreage verification. She reviewed the number of farmers who had sold paddy so far, total procurement quantity, and comparisons with last year’s average. During the inspection, the Collector interacted with farmers present at the centres, seeking feedback on arrangements and urging them to mandatorily submit leftover acreage after sale. Several farmers submitted their remaining acreage details on the spot.