Odisha’s Minister for Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare, Krushna Chandra Patra, conducted a comprehensive review of the ongoing Rabi season paddy procurement process at a high-level meeting held at the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation (OSCSC) conference hall in Bhubaneswar.
The meeting focused on ensuring efficient procurement, safeguarding farmers’ interests, and preparing for the impending monsoon season.
During the review, K. Sudarshan Chakravarthy, Managing Director of OSCSC, provided a detailed update on the progress of paddy procurement. As of now, approximately 606,000 metric tons of paddy have been procured from around 88,000 farmers across the state. To support these farmers, the government has disbursed nearly ₹1,566 crore towards the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and input subsidies, ensuring timely financial assistance.
With the monsoon season approaching, Minister Patra emphasised the need to accelerate the procurement process to prevent losses due to adverse weather conditions. He directed officials to ensure adequate arrangements at procurement centres (mandis) to protect paddy from rain and other environmental factors. “The safety of farmers’ produce is our top priority. We must ensure that every grain is protected, and the procurement process is seamless,” the Minister stated.
The government’s commitment to farmer welfare was a key focus of the meeting. Patra instructed officials to address any complaints of irregularities in the procurement process promptly and decisively. He stressed that the state government is taking multiple steps to safeguard farmers’ interests, including ensuring transparency and efficiency in paddy procurement.
To enhance storage capabilities, the Minister reviewed the condition of the state’s 214 existing warehouses and directed officials to expedite their modernisation and capacity expansion. Additionally, the construction of new warehouses was discussed, with a call for swift action to ensure adequate storage infrastructure. “Modernising our warehouses is critical to preserving the quality of procured paddy and ensuring food security,” Patra noted.
The Minister also addressed the importance of resolving farmers’ grievances quickly. He instructed departmental officials to establish a mechanism for the prompt resolution of any complaints related to paddy procurement. This move underscores the government’s dedication to supporting the agricultural community, which forms the backbone of Odisha’s economy.
The meeting saw the participation of key officials, including Sudhakar Shabar, General Manager (Distribution), Elora Samal, General Manager (Paddy Procurement), and Pranati Priyadarshini Raut, General Manager (Administration), among others. Their inputs helped shape the discussions on improving operational efficiency and addressing logistical challenges.
The Odisha government’s proactive measures come at a crucial time as the state aims to streamline its agricultural supply chain. By setting phase-wise procurement quotas and focusing on infrastructure development, the government is ensuring that farmers receive timely payments and their produce is handled with care. These efforts are expected to bolster confidence among farmers and strengthen Odisha’s agricultural sector.
As the Rabi season progresses, the state government remains committed to its goal of procuring all available paddy while prioritizing farmer welfare and operational efficiency. With monsoon preparedness and robust support systems in place, Odisha is poised to set a benchmark in agricultural procurement and farmer-centric governance.
