Bargarh, Nov 20: Holding its election promise in high order, the BJP government in Odisha started procuring paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal over and above the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 2,300 from farmers on Wednesday. 

Farmers are now paid an input subsidy of Rs 800 and MSP of Rs 2,300, totaling Rs 3,100, per quintal of paddy procured at government Mandis.  

Paddy procurement started in the Bargarh district today following a puja conducted at Kalapani Market Yard in the presence of Food Supplies and Consumer Minister Krushna Chandra Patra,  MLAs, and the District Collector. 

According to the information, over 1.55 lakh farmers have registered names to sell paddy in the district which has 229 paddy procurement centers. Cooperative societies and central government agencies will procure paddy directly from farmers. The government has appointed a supervisor for four Mandis each to ensure smooth procurement.  

Each Mandi has been equipped with toilets and drinking water facilities. 

While farmers used to face difficulties over token timing, district Collectors have been authorized to extend the token time from this year.