Chandrapur : BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar has urged state food and civil supplies minister Chhagan Bhujbal to start paddy procurement centres before Diwali and ensure that payments are credited directly to farmers’ bank accounts within 48 hours of sale under the minimum support price (MSP) scheme for the 2026-27 kharif season.
Delays in payments disrupt farmers’ financial planning, affecting their ability to meet agricultural expenses, repay loans and manage household requirements, he said. He said timely payment was as important as assured MSP for paddy growers. Mungantiwar sought an early decision on the proposal submitted by the Parinay Fuke committee, which studied Chhattisgarh’s paddy procurement system to identify measures to improve Maharashtra ’s mechanism. He called for expeditious administrative approvals, financial provisions and the necessary technical arrangements to implement the proposed system. The MLA also urged govt to ensure farmers’ registration, availability of gunny bags, weighing equipment, storage facilities and adequate manpower before procurement begins. Citing Chhattisgarh’s payment mechanism as a model, Mungantiwar called for an effective system in Maharashtra that would eliminate unnecessary waiting and ensure farmers receive their dues promptly.