Bhubaneswar, Jan 7: The paddy procurement process in Odisha has commenced smoothly across 19 districts, according to Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra.

The government has accepted certain demands raised by rice millers, following a detailed discussion with the Millers’ Association on Tuesday. Subsequently, official directives have been issued to ensure seamless procurement operations.

As of Wednesday, procurement has already covered 3,15,431 farmers, from whom 13,93,867 metric tonnes of paddy have been collected. Out of this, millers have lifted 13,59,974 metric tonnes, ensuring that the supply chain remains active and uninterrupted.

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The government has also disbursed input assistance worth ₹891.58 crore to farmers, reinforcing its commitment to supporting cultivators during the procurement season.

Minister Patra emphasized that the state government is determined to safeguard farmers’ interests while balancing the operational concerns of millers. By addressing millers’ issues and issuing clear instructions, the administration aims to avoid bottlenecks in the procurement process.

The smooth functioning of procurement is crucial, given the scale of participation and the volume of paddy being handled.

The procurement drive is expected to continue across all designated districts, with authorities monitoring progress closely. Farmers have welcomed the timely intervention, as the financial support and assured lifting of paddy provide much-needed relief during the harvest season.

The government’s proactive measures are seen as a step toward strengthening the agricultural economy and ensuring food security.

With procurement already underway at such a large scale, the state anticipates that the process will remain efficient and farmer-friendly, setting a positive precedent for future agricultural operations.