The Odisha government extended the Rabi paddy procurement period till July 3 to ensure smooth lifting of stocks from mandis across five districts where paddy remains piled up.
Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra announced the extension, citing the need to meet procurement targets and address farmer concerns. The government had set a target of 20 lakh metric tonnes of paddy for the season. So far, 18.79 lakh metric tonnes have been procured.
Officials confirmed that mandis in Khariar, Sanmaheshwar, Arada, Bhojpur, Duajhar, Bargan, Lanjhi and Khadapej still hold significant quantities of paddy. Farmers expressed worry over delays, as stored paddy risks damage due to prolonged exposure.
