Politics intensifies in Odisha over paddy MSP hike; BJD, Congress slam Centre

The Central govt on Wednesday hiked the minimum support price (MSP) of paddy by Rs 143 to Rs 2,183 per quintal for the 2023-24 marketing season (July-June) in order to encourage farmers to bring more area under cultivation and boost their income. However, politics intensified in Odisha over the development.

Ruling BJD and Congress targeted the Union government alleging that the hike is not sufficient.

As per BJD, the increase in the minimum support price of paddy is welcome, but it is not sufficient.

“As per the Swaminathan Committee report, the total production cost of paddy per quintal is not less than Rs 3,500. The minimum support price of paddy per quintal should be at least Rs 2,930. Any amount of hike in the minimum support price of paddy is welcome, but it is not sufficient. We are hopeful that the revision of MSP will be reconsidered again. If the MSP will be increased to Rs 2,930, the farmers will at least get five to ten percent profit,” said senior BJD leader, Devi Prasad Mishra.

Meanwhile, Congress slammed the Centre for not considering the Swaminathan Committee report. As per the grand old party, farmers have been cheated with the amount of hike announced by the Union government.

“Before coming to power, BJP had promised in 2014 that they will accept Swaminathan Committee’s recommendation and accordingly the minimum support price (MSP) of paddy will be fixed. But they have failed to keep their promise. With the current announcement of the hike, the farmers have been cheated. Farmers will respond in the upcoming election,” said senior Congress leader, Narasingha Mishra.

On the other hand, the BJP countered the allegations by highlighting the distressed sale of paddy in the State.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union government is hiking the MSP of paddy every year. During the tenure of Congress, it was not even happening. The opposition parties should not be hasty. MSP of paddy will be increased gradually in a phased manner,” said BJP MLA, Kusum Tete.

“If the State government is in a hurry, they can also hike the MSP of paddy. They have the power to do so. If the State government hikes Rs 200 more, the farmers of Odisha will be benefitted,” she added.