Odisha govt accepts millers’ demands, paddy procurement resumes in 19 districts

The deadlock at paddy procurement mandis across the state was resolved, and procurement operations have returned to normal, Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra informed on Wednesday. Paddy procurement has now officially begun in 19 districts following discussions between the Odisha government and the rice millers’ association.

According to the minister, the government agreed to several demands raised by the millers, after which formal guidelines were issued to ensure the smooth continuation of procurement activities. A crucial meeting with representatives of the millers’ association was held on Tuesday, paving the way for the resolution of the impasse that had disrupted paddy lifting in recent days.

Procurement Resumes

Providing details of the procurement progress, the minister said that as of today, paddy has been procured from 3,15,431 farmers across the 19 districts. A total of 13,93,867 metric tonnes of paddy has been collected so far. Of this quantity, rice millers have already lifted 13,59,974 metric tonnes, indicating that the procurement and lifting process is now functioning smoothly.

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The minister further stated that the procurement drive has provided significant financial relief to farmers. An amount of Rs 891 crore and 58 lakh has been disbursed to farmers as input assistance against the paddy procured, directly benefiting cultivators and strengthening their economic condition.

Minister's Statements:

“The procurement is going on smoothly. To date, around 14 million metric tons of paddy have been procured. The millers had some demand, so I advised them to speak with the relevant officials. We have agreed to most of their demands and ordered maintenance for 3 months. Furthermore, their demand to hike transport money will be met after a proper meeting. Apart from this, the government is also looking into its other couple of demands. Paddy procurement is normal now, and lifting has begun. The procurement is going on in around 19 districts,” informed Minister Krushna Patra.