The Odishagovernment has delegated mandi-related responsibilities to individual ministers for each district to ensure smoother paddy procurement operations, Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra informed on Wednesday.

Minister Patra told the Assembly that a ministerial-level committee has been constituted to strengthen coordination during the procurement process.

Besides, District Collectors will designate one officer for every mandi to monitor activities and report any issues, said Patra. 

These officers will regularly submit their findings to the concerned District Collector, enabling closer supervision and timely intervention where required, he added.

Background

Kharif paddy procurement in Sambalpur district began on November 29 but was immediately stalled as millers refused to participate, preventing the lifting of stock despite mandis being opened. Farmer organisations urged swift government intervention as paddy-laden vehicles were denied entry into mills, prompting farmers to stage a night-time protest over the non-acceptance of their produce.

The deadlock followed the Odisha Millers Association’s earlier announcement that millers would not renew agreements, deposit security money, or take part in procurement until their demands were met. Senior officials, including the District Supply Officer and Cooperative Department representatives, held discussions with farmers to ensure smooth procurement, but operations remained disrupted.

Also Read: Paddy procurement resumes in Bargarh after days of deadlock

The impasse was resolved after the state government reached an agreement with rice millers on December 2. Procurement subsequently resumed in Bargarh district on December 3, with 724.79 quintals lifted across five mandis, including significant quantities from Kalapani and Godabhaga.