Odisha farmers got Rs 2,350 crore as 10.5 lakh metric tonnes of paddy procured: Minister

The Odisha government has so far procured 10.5 lakh metric tonnes of paddy during the ongoing procurement season, benefiting around 2.3 lakh farmers, the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra informed on Thursday.

Also Read: Farmers stage protest in Ganjam over paddy procurement irregularities

Paddy procurement operations are currently underway in 18 districts of the State.

According to the Minister, a total of Rs 2,350 crore has already been transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts. He further stated that tokens have been issued to nearly 11 lakh farmers so far, ensuring smooth participation in the procurement process. Paddy purchase will continue till March this year, and the State government aims to procure paddy from all eligible farmers.

Besides, the Central government is to lift 6 lakh metric tonnes of rice from Odisha, including 5 lakh metric tonnes of parboiled rice and 1 lakh metric tonnes of raw rice. The remaining 1 lakh metric tonne of rice will be auctioned, the Minister said.

At present, Odisha has a total stock of 7 lakh metric tonnes of rice.

Minister Patra expressed his gratitude to Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Centre’s cooperation in lifting rice from the State.

“As of now, procurement during the ongoing season has reached 10.5 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, extending benefits to nearly 2.3 lakh farmers. Paddy procurement operations are currently in progress in 18 districts of the State,” the Minister expressed.

“In the meantime, we have transferred around a total of Rs 2,350 crore to the bank account of farmers. The farmers (in Odisha) are very happy. We will certainly procure the paddy (produce) of all farmers. No one should remain in any kind of confusion. The procurement process will continue till the end of March,” the Minister asserted.