Bhubaneswar, Nov 26: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has played a pivotal role in ensuring a significant boost to Odisha’s paddy procurement targets during the current Kharif Marketing Season and the next Rabi season. His intervention with the Union Government has resulted in an increase of 8 lakh metric tons, a move that is expected to strengthen the economic condition of farmers across the state.

ଓଡ଼ିଶାରେ ଖରିଫ ଋତୁ ଓ ରବି ଋତୁ ପାଇଁ ଏଫସିଆଇ ଦ୍ୱାରା ନିର୍ଦ୍ଧାରିତ ଲକ୍ଷ୍ୟ ଠାରୁ ଅଧିକ ଉଷୁନା ଧାନ କିଣିବା ସହ ଚାଉଳର ଶୀଘ୍ର ଉଠାଣ ପାଇଁ ମୁଁ କେନ୍ଦ୍ର ଖାଉଟି ବ୍ୟାପାର, ଖାଦ୍ୟ ଏବଂ ସାଧାରଣ ବଣ୍ଟନ ମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ @JoshiPralhad ଙ୍କୁ ସାକ୍ଷାତ୍ କରି ଅନୁରୋଧ କରିଥିଲି ।

ଅନୁରୋଧ କ୍ରମେ, ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ଚାଷୀ ଭାଇ ଭଉଣୀଙ୍କ ସ୍ୱାର୍ଥକୁ… pic.twitter.com/AXyelXnYZa

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) November 26, 2025

Pradhan's Meeting with Union Food Minister

Pradhan on Wednesday revealed in a post on X that he had met with Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi to request enhanced procurement beyond the Food Corporation of India’s (FCI) set targets. He also sought early lifting of rice stocks to safeguard the interests of Odisha’s farmers.

Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Calls For Clean, Prosperous Sambalpur During ‘Ekta Padayatra’

Increased Targets for Kharif and Rabi

Responding to his appeal, the Centre has raised the procurement target for the Kharif crop from 40 lakh metric tons to 47 lakh metric tons. Similarly, the Rabi crop target has been increased from 10 lakh metric tons to 11 lakh metric tons. This brings the total procurement target to 58 lakh metric tons, marking a substantial rise compared to previous years.

Gratitude and Farmer Welfare

Pradhan expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi for their timely decision. He emphasized that the “double-engine government” has consistently prioritized the welfare of farmers, whom he described as ‘Anndata’—providers of food. According to him, this increase will empower Odisha’s farmers and provide much-needed financial stability.

Strengthening Odisha’s Economy

The expanded procurement quota is expected to benefit thousands of farmers by ensuring fair prices for their produce. Pradhan highlighted that this decision will not only protect farmer interests but also contribute to strengthening Odisha’s economy. The procurement drive, already underway, aims to be completed efficiently, ensuring timely lifting of rice stocks and smooth distribution.