Argus News - Odisha to Begin Paddy Procurement Tomorrow with Higher Target

Bhubaneswar, Nov 24: Paddy procurement in Odisha will officially begin Tuesday, with the state government setting a higher target compared to last year. Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta announced that extensive arrangements have been made to ensure smooth procurement and farmer-friendly facilities at mandis.

Farmers visiting procurement centres will have access to food, drinking water, and sanitation facilities. Mill owners have been strictly instructed to provide vehicles on time, while officials will keep a close watch on procurement activities. Any inconvenience faced by farmers will be resolved immediately on the spot.

The government has also taken steps to prevent unfair deductions during procurement. While collusion between farmers and millers is beyond government control, a toll-free helpline (1967) has been activated by the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation to register complaints and inquiries.

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This year, 3,134 cooperative societies and LAMPS will participate in procurement, supported by 1,419 custom millers. Police will set up a dedicated control room and conduct regular patrolling to maintain order.

District collectors have been directed to collect daily data on farmer participation and paddy sales at each mandi. CCTV surveillance will operate round-the-clock to ensure transparency.

The minister emphasized inter-departmental coordination involving Revenue, Cooperation, Police, Transport, and Supply departments to streamline operations. He also assured that measures are in place to prevent paddy inflow from outside states.

On the weather front, Samanta noted that the ongoing low-pressure system is unlikely to cause heavy rainfall. “If rain occurs, minor damage may happen, but the government is prepared,” he said.

With these measures, the state government aims to ensure a fair, transparent, and farmer-friendly procurement season.