Odisha CM Directs Officials To Prevent Middlemen At Mandis During Paddy Procurement

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday directed the officials to keep a sharp eye on the middlemen during procurement of paddy at mandis all over the state.

The chief minister issued the direction after attending a review meeting on the ongoing paddy procurement process in the state.

He said the government has been paying Rs 800 per quintal as input assistance for financial empowerment of the farmers. More than 17 lakh farmers would benefit from the assistance being paid under PM Kisan and CM Kisan schemes.

“Considering this, the officials should ensure transparency in the paddy procurement process. The middlemen should not be allowed to interfere in the process to exploit the farmers,” he said.

Stating that the farmers should not face any kind of difficulties during their visit to the mandis, he directed to make provisions of basic amenities including drinking water, toilets, canteen and power supply.

At present, the kharif paddy procurement has been going on in nine districts including Bargarh, Nuapada, Sambalpur, Kalahandi, Balangir, Jharsuguda, Nabarangpur, Subarnapur and Koraput.

It was revealed at the meeting that total 1,81196 ton paddy has been procured from 37,079 registered farmers in these districts. The government has procured the paddy by paying Rs 323.73 crore towards the minimum support price and Rs 112.61 crore as input assistance.