In a major relief to Odisha’s farming community, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra today clarified that the state government will continue purchasing paddy from all farmers who possess valid tokens, even beyond the official procurement deadline.
“Farmers who wish to sell their paddy must undergo iris scans today, as this biometric verification will be essential for future sales,” the minister stated during a press briefing. The iris scan mechanism is aimed at ensuring transparency and accurate identification in the procurement process.
Despite the deadline, the government is committed to buying from every eligible farmer. “There will be no lapses in the token system,” reassured Patra, highlighting the administration’s resolve to stand by the farming sector.
The Minister revealed that the government has already procured 19 lakh metric tons of Rabi paddy this season, surpassing last year’s tally of 12 lakh metric tons. This significant increase underscores Odisha’s growing agricultural output and the government’s proactive procurement efforts.
He emphasised that all farmers with pending tokens will be accommodated, ensuring fair market access and timely payments.
This announcement brings a wave of relief and certainty to thousands of cultivators across Odisha, affirming the state’s dedication to empowering its agrarian economy.
