Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government announced on Thursday that farmers will now receive Rs 3,100 per quintal as the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy. Similarly, rice ATMs will also be opened in the capital Bhubaneswar, said the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra.
The minister assured that from the next Kharif season, farmers will be promptly paid the increased MSP within 48 hours of depositing their produce without any deductions in the payment. Strict action will be taken in case of any deduction or harassment from the miller, he added.
Patra said, that during its election campaign, the BJP had promised to increase the MSP for paddy to Rs 3,100. This commitment is now being fulfilled after the formation of the government.
After the central government announced Rs 2,300 per quintal for paddy, it became a little cheaper for the state government to provide the increased price. Otherwise, the state government had to pay Rs 917 more, instead of Rs 800 more of the recent price.
The minister also announced to introduction of rice ATMs in Bhubaneswar for ration card beneficiaries in the coming week. By swiping their cards, the beneficiaries can get rice directly from these machines. Steps will be taken to facilitate other districts with the rice ATMs as well. The government is in talks with the officials of the World Food Program to obtain the required technological support to implement it on a large scale.
Now the government is focusing on providing the increased MSP on paddy ensuring no harassment to the farmers. Grain collection from farmers will be expedited and they won’t have to wait for days at the Mandi.
Meanwhile, the food supply minister said that the state government is actively addressing fraudulent ration cards. Approximately 50 lakh fake beneficiaries have been identified, and steps are being taken to withdraw false cards and include genuine beneficiaries.
