Bhubaneswar, Nov 4: The process of paddy procurement by the State government will begin on November 21 in Bargarh district, said Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari on Monday.

Paddy procurement decision was taken at a ministerial-level meeting held at the State Secretariat in Bhubaneswar.

As promised earlier by the Odisha government, paddy will be procured at Rs 3100 per quintal from farmers. The procurement amount included Rs 2300 as minimum support price (MSP) as fixed by the Centre and Rs 800 as input assistance assured by the State Government.

It was decided at the meeting that the authorised officials will be present at Mandis till completion of the procurement process.

A supervisor will be appointed for four to five Mandis. Each Mandi will have a quality testing machine so that FAQ can be assessed properly.
The Transport Department will inspect the paddy transportation from Mandis to rice mills.

Patrolling teams will be engaged and CCTV cameras will be fixed at strategic places to ensure that paddy is not transported from neighbouring States for sale at Mandis at the higher price. District Collectors have been asked to take appropriate steps.

The State government will focus on the safety of farmers and the procurement of paddy without any deduction, said Minister Pujari after the meeting. 

Read More Odisha News