Bhubaneswar: More than 30 lakh tonnes of paddy has been procured by the Odisha government at mandis across the State so far this season and Rs 4,579 crore has been deposited in bank account of farmers for the procurement, said Supplies Minister Sanjay Dasburma on Saturday.
Speaking to the Assembly during the question hour on the last day of the first phase Budget session, Dasburma told 31,14,789 metric tonnes paddy has already been procured till date, which is more than the set target of 30 lakh tonne even though the procurement deadline is ending in April.
The minister further stated the paddy procurement was done in 294 blocks as per the P-Procurement Automation System (P-PAS) mechanism.
Total Rs 4,579 crore has been transferred by the State government to the bank account of farmers for paddy procurement, Dasburma mentioned.
Unlike past few days the House proceedings began smoothly. However, arguments ensued between ruling party and Opposition members during a debate on paddy procurement, farmers suicides and vegetables distress sale.
The Opposition legislators slammed the State government alleging rampant irregularities in paddy procurement and demanded a probe into the matter.
Also read: Odisha Speaker asks for govt statement on farmer suicides
Minister Das Burma countered, "The MLAs should take the responsibility to ensure hassle-free paddy procurement in their localities."
Regarding alleged vegetable distress sale and farmer suicide cases, members of both ruling party and Opposition sought an explanation from the government in the House.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy is likely to present a reply to the Speaker's ruling on the farmers suicides and vegetable distress sale in the Assembly today.