New Delhi, Aug 6: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Wednesday called on Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi, urging the Centre to enhance the rice procurement target ahead of a predicted bumper harvest.

The meeting emphasized the importance of proactive intervention to prevent bottlenecks in storage and evacuation.

CM Majhi highlighted Odisha’s forward-looking measures including promotion of millet cultivation, expansion of food storage infrastructure, and streamlined procurement mechanisms aimed at safeguarding the interests of farmers and ensuring food security.

Accompanied by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Deputy CM and Agriculture Minister KV Singh Deo, and several MPs from Odisha, the delegation discussed the importance of timely lifting of rice by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to facilitate smooth movement and avoid delays that could adversely impact farmers.

In a post on X, Minister Pradhan affirmed the Centre's commitment to empowering the country’s “annadatas”—a respectful term for farmers—under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He reiterated the NDA government's support for transparent procurement, timely payments, and welfare schemes designed to protect farming communities.

This high-level interaction marks a key moment in Centre-State cooperation ahead of the upcoming procurement cycle and underscores Odisha’s active role in shaping national discussions around agrarian policy.

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