Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday held a meeting with district Collectors to review preparations for the upcoming paddy procurement season.
During the meeting held through video conference from Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister discussed plans to ensure a smooth and efficient procurement.
Collectors of different districts confirmed that all arrangements are in place for the procurement exercise, Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in a release.
Paddy procurement will commence on November 20, starting in Bargarh district, followed by Sambalpur on November 22, and then across all districts.
From November 20 to December 7, farmers will receive a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 2,300 per quintal for their paddy.
The Chief Minister announced that he will host a state-level farmers’ convention on December 8 at Sohela in Bargarh district, where farmers will be assured an additional Rs 800 per quintal. This additional payment, along with the MSP, will be transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts within 48 hours via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
To support small and marginal farmers, the government has launched information and awareness programs to inform them of the paddy procurement process. Special measures, including the deployment of Grain Analyzers, Quality Analysts, and Mandi Supervisors at procurement centers, have been implemented.
Token distribution to farmers will begin on November 15, with an option for District Collectors to extend the token period by up to seven days, if necessary.
The Chief Minister instructed Collectors to monitor areas bordering neighbouring states to prevent unauthorised entry of paddy from outside Odisha. Additional steps include enhanced patrolling in border areas, the use of CCTV in procurement centers, and measures to prevent “katni chhatni.”
Principal Secretary, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, Sanjay Kumar Singh and Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Cooperation Department, Rajesh Prabhakar Patil informed about the steps taken by their respective departments.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, Cooperation, Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Nikunj Bihari Dhal, Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, were among those present at the meeting.