Bhubaneswar: Individual Ministers have been assigned responsibilities of ensuring smooth procurement of paddy in mandis set up in different districts of Odisha, the state Assembly was informed on Wednesday.
Sharing this information in the House, Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra said a ministerial-level committee has been constituted to strengthen coordination during the paddy procurement process.
This apart, district Collectors will designate one officer for every mandi to monitor activities and report any issues, he said, adding that these officers will regularly submit reports to the Collector concerned, ensuring close supervision and timely intervention where required.
Notably, Kharif paddy procurement began in Sambalpur district on November 29 but was stalled as millers refused to participate in the process, preventing the lifting of stock despite mandis being opened. Farmer outfits sought government intervention as paddy-laden vehicles were denied entry into mills. This led farmers to stage a protest.
The deadlock followed the Odisha Millers Association’s earlier announcement that millers would not renew agreements, deposit security money, or take part in procurement until their demands were met. Senior officials, including the District Supply Officer and Cooperative Department representatives, held discussions with farmers to ensure smooth procurement, but operations remained disrupted.
The impasse was resolved after the state government reached an agreement with rice millers on December 2. Procurement subsequently resumed in Bargarh district on Wednesday.
