Morang farmers get above-government support price for spring paddy

Farmers in Morang are experiencing a welcome boost as they receive above-government prices for their spring paddy. Arju Rice Mill has set its procurement rate at Rs28.97 per kilogramme, slightly higher than the government's minimum support price of Rs28.58. This offers growers better returns during the harvest season.

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The government's support price is for coarse paddy, while we are selling fine varieties. We are getting at least one rupee more per kilogramme than the official rate, and that makes a significant difference.

Growers have expressed relief and increased confidence due to these better prices, though concerns about market stability and government procurement persist. The mill had previously indicated prices as early as January, before sowing, and the government's official minimum support price was announced only recently. Farmers report receiving at least one rupee more per kilogramme for finer grain varieties compared to the official rate for coarse paddy, making a significant financial difference.

"The government's support price is for coarse paddy, while we are selling fine varieties," said Yubaraj Neupane, a farmer from Rangeli. "We are getting at least one rupee more per kilogramme than the official rate, and that makes a significant difference." Ramesh Karki of Rangeli-1 noted that paddy prices have improved considerably, with returns now exceeding Rs2,500 from harvests that previously earned just over Rs2,000.

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Earlier, we could hardly earn more than Rs2,000. Now we are receiving more than Rs2,500.

Despite the current positive trend, farmers emphasize that announcing a support price is insufficient. They are calling for stronger government action to ensure minimum prices are enforced market-wide, procurement mechanisms are strengthened, and overall market management is improved. While private companies demonstrate the potential for fair pricing, farmers believe a more effective state-led market system is crucial for consistent fair returns.

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We are implementing the minimum support price. After the government fixed the spring paddy price at Rs28.58 per kilogramme, we raised our procurement price to Rs28.97. For the Subasi variety, we have paid as much as Rs35 per kilogramme.