Odisha govt to observe paddy procurement across state as festivals

The State government will observe paddy procurement across Odisha as festivals and assemblies of farmers will be held in every district, said Food Suppliers Minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Thursday.

According to Minister Patra, a state level meeting of the farmers will be organised at Sohela in Bargarh district on December 8 and Chief Minister Mohan Majhi will join the programme to provide an additional amount of Rs 800 to the farmers per one quintal of paddy.

“More than 17 lakh farmers have registered to sell paddy in the current year. Paddy procurement will start in Bargarh on November 20. Money will be sent to the bank accounts of the farmers in 48 hours. Input subsidy of Rs 800 will be provided to each farmer who has sold paddy from November 20,” said Minister Patra.

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The Minister further said that the tenure of the tokens, to be provided in a phased manner starting from November 15, will be of one month duration. According to the Minister, the district Collectors have been given power to extend the tenure by seven more days.

“Katni Chhatni will be completely stopped. We will keep quality analyzer machines in every mandi. Checking will be intensified in the border districts. CCTV cameras will be installed; and patrolling will be conducted so that outside vehicles will not be able to make entry,” said Minister Patra.

Moreover, the Minister rapped the previous BJD government for their announcement of providing bonus of Rs 100 to the farmers.

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