Jharkhand Announces ₹100 Paddy Bonus to Support Farmers
The Jharkhand government has announced a ₹100 per quintal paddy bonus, offering major relief to farmers affected by crop losses caused by Cyclone Montha. The bonus will be provided over and above the MSP, and farmers will also receive one-time lump-sum payments starting December 15.
State Food and Public Distribution Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari said that the bonus proposal has been finalized and will soon be placed before the Cabinet for approval.
MSP Plus Bonus to Boost Farmer Income
For the 2025-26 procurement season, the Centre has fixed:
- ₹2,369 per quintal for normal paddy
- ₹2,389 per quintal for Grade-A paddy
Farmers in Jharkhand will receive an additional ₹100 per quintal on these MSP rates under the new scheme.
Ansari added that the lump-sum payment system will ensure faster payouts, reduce dependency on middlemen, and strengthen farmers’ financial stability.
One-Time Payment System Introduced for the First Time
This is the first time Jharkhand will offer one-time payment for paddy procurement.
Earlier, farmers were paid in two installments, often leading to long delays in the second installment. Due to this, many farmers were compelled to sell their produce to middlemen at lower prices.
With paddy harvesting expected to finish in the next 10–15 days, preparations for procurement centers and payment systems are already underway.
Support Amid Cyclone Montha Crop Damage
The announcement comes at a crucial time, as Cyclone Montha has severely affected standing and harvested crops across several districts. Continuous rainfall has caused waterlogging in areas like Hazaribagh, leading to rotting paddy and damage to seeds.
Farmers who were expecting a strong harvest this year are now struggling with widespread losses.
Government Steps Up Relief Measures
In view of the situation, the Jharkhand paddy bonus, along with timely procurement and financial support, is being seen as a crucial step to help farmers recover from the crisis. The state government has reassured farmers that all possible assistance will be provided during this challenging period.
