Bhubaneswar, Nov 13: Odisha is set to kick off its Kharif paddy procurement drive from November 20, starting with Bargarh district, announced Cooperative Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta.

The initiative aims to streamline the procurement process and ensure better infrastructure for farmers across the state.

To support efficient grain storage, modern facilities have been installed at procurement mandis. The state government has also approved the establishment of 100 model mandis over the next two years. In the first phase, tenders have been floated and work has commenced for 38 model mandis.

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Further strengthening the cooperative sector, the government has allocated ₹20 crore in the current financial year for constructing warehouse facilities in 80 cooperative societies. Each warehouse will have a storage capacity of 200 metric tons, enhancing the state’s ability to manage harvested paddy efficiently.

Additionally, groundwork has begun for land development in 973 cooperative societies and Regulated Market Committees (RMCs), with a total investment of ₹516 crore. These developments are expected to boost rural infrastructure and improve market access for farmers.

The minister emphasized that these steps are part of a broader strategy to modernize agricultural procurement and empower cooperative institutions.

With improved storage, streamlined procurement, and upgraded mandis, Odisha aims to ensure timely payments and better returns for its farmers.