The paddy procurement process is going on in the state this kharif season. The state government has directed to keep a strict vigil on every mandi to make the procurement process transparent.
Extensive measures have been taken by the concerned district administration in this regard. Adequate attention is being paid to ensure that no eligible farmer faces any problem while procuring paddy. Ancillary arrangements have also been made for the benefit of the farmers in the mandis.
At present, paddy procurement is going on in 11 districts including Bargarh, Sambalpur, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Sonepur, Koraput, Jharsuguda, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur and Keonjhar districts.
Nodal officers have been appointed in each mandi to help the farmers and a supervisor has been appointed in charge of two to three mandis. More officers are also being appointed by the district administration as per the requirement.
So far, 323 supervisors and 1,282 nodal officers have been appointed in these 11 districts. These officials are enquiring about the problems faced by every farmer coming to the mandi and taking immediate action.
Arrangements have also been made for farmers to report their grievances directly. Paddy is being procured from registered farmers in the state and Rs 2,300 per quintal is being given as minimum price and Rs 800 as input assistance.