Bhubaneswar, Aug 23:  In a major relief to farmers across Odisha, the State government has extended the deadline for registration under the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2025–26 paddy procurement scheme to August 25, officials said on Saturday.

Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra announced the decision, stating that over 17 lakh farmers have already registered and the government is aiming to cross 20 lakh registrations before the new deadline. To streamline the process, the government has introduced a self-declaration form, replacing the need for complex paperwork such as consent letters from co-heirs and genealogy reports.

“The simplified registration process ensures that no eligible farmer is left out of the procurement system,” said Minister Patra. “Our goal is to make sure every farmer can benefit from the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other government schemes.”

Also Read: Farmers Can Now Register With Self-Declaration As Odisha Simplifies Kharif Procurement

The extension comes in response to widespread difficulties faced by farmers in securing mandatory documents, which previously hindered their ability to register on time.

The registration process is expected to conclude by August 30, and paddy procurement operations will begin in the first week of November. District collectors have been instructed to distribute self-declaration forms across all blocks, PACS, LAMPCS, and self-help groups to ensure smooth execution.

This move is part of Odisha’s broader effort to decentralize paddy procurement and empower farmers with easier access to government support. The self-declaration model is expected to reduce delays, increase transparency, and improve participation among small and marginal farmers.

With the Kharif season underway, the extension is seen as a timely intervention to safeguard farmer interests and ensure a robust procurement cycle.