Nuapada, Dec 3: In a major boost for farmers in Nuapada district, the paddy procurement process will officially begin with the opening of the mandi at the RMC premises on Khariar Road.

The decision was finalized under the chairmanship of District Collector Madhusudan Dash during the district-level paddy procurement committee meeting.

The inauguration programme will see participation from farmers, district officials, and representatives of cooperative societies. For the current Kharif season, the district administration has set a target of procuring 13.64 lakh quintals of paddy in the first phase.

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A total of 51 PACS, 79 mandis, and 10 self-help groups will be involved in the procurement process. Around 51,341 farmers have registered to sell their produce, while 31 millers will handle the milling operations.

To prevent illegal transportation of paddy across border areas, a special squad has been formed. The procurement drive comes after extensive discussions between the state food supply minister and millers from 30 districts, where key issues were resolved and agreements reached to ensure smooth lifting of paddy.

Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted the central government’s support for Odisha’s farmers. He stated that the procurement target for Kharif paddy has been increased from 40 lakh metric tonnes to 47 lakh metric tonnes, while the Rabi target has been raised from 10 lakh metric tonnes to 11 lakh metric tonnes. This brings the total procurement target to 58 lakh metric tonnes, a significant increase aimed at strengthening farmers’ financial stability.

Pradhan expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi for prioritizing the welfare of farmers. He emphasized that the “double engine government” has consistently worked to safeguard the interests of ‘Annadatas’ and ensure timely procurement of crops.

With the mandi opening in Nuapada and enhanced procurement targets, farmers are hopeful of better returns and improved economic security this season.