As the Kharif season paddy procurement gains momentum across Odisha, the state government is intensifying efforts to maintain transparency and prevent irregularities.
Strict vigilance measures have been implemented, particularly in bordering districts, to curb the influx of unauthorised paddy from neighbouring states like Chhattisgarh.
Enforcement teams have been stationed in key bordering areas, including Nuapada, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, and Sundargarh. In Nuapada, camera-mounted vehicles and staff are deployed at check posts in Khariar Road under Nuapada block and Sinapali under Sinapali block. These teams conduct round-the-clock checks on vehicles entering the state, with a focus on those carrying paddy.
Local police stations’ IICs are actively involved in border patrols, empowered to seize vehicles and take immediate action against any detected violations. District collectors and Civil Supply Officers are providing full support, issuing stringent instructions to thwart attempts at smuggling paddy from other states.
The government has emphasised that these measures are crucial to protect registered Odisha farmers, ensuring they can sell their produce at designated mandis without external interference. Block-level teams remain on high alert, ready to respond to tip-offs and maintain the integrity of the procurement process.
In parallel, paddy procurement is expanding across the state. Advance tokens have been issued to farmers in four additional districts: Balasore, Nayagarh, Gajapati, and Kandhamal. Procurement is set to commence in Balasore and Nayagarh on December 29, in Gajapati on December 30, and in Kandhamal on December 31.
A total of 65,273 tokens were distributed in Balasore, 28,723 in Nayagarh, 10,112 in Gajapati, and 3,176 in Kandhamal.
To facilitate smooth operations, mandis in these districts are equipped with essential amenities such as temporary sheds, drinking water, and toilets. CCTV cameras have been installed for monitoring, and supervisory officers are on-site to oversee the process.
Currently, procurement is active in 12 districts: Bargarh, Balangir, Boudh, Ganjam, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Sambalpur, Subarnapur, and Sundargarh. So far, 630,438 metric tonnes of paddy have been procured from 141,381 farmers. Payments totalling Rs. 919.13 crore have been made as minimum support price, with an additional Rs. 283.61 crore disbursed as input assistance directly to farmers’ accounts.
These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to farmer welfare and transparent agricultural practices during the Kharif season.
