Odisha to kick off paddy procurement from tomorrow

Odisha is set to begin its paddy procurement drive from tomorrow (November 25), official sources said on Monday. The government has announced a higher target for this year compared to the previous year, aiming to ensure smooth collection for farmers across the State.

Also Read: Delay in paddy procurement leaves farmers on edge in Odisha

To facilitate farmers, mandis have been equipped with essential facilities, including food, drinking water, and toilets. Mill owners have been instructed to ensure the timely transport of paddy to prevent delays in procurement.

Officials have been directed to closely monitor the entire process, addressing any issues immediately once mandis open.

The State government is also keeping a strict vigil on paddy threshing and winnowing to maintain quality and fairness.

Impact of an impending Depression and low pressure-induced rainfall is expected to be limited, with only slight potential damage. Nonetheless, the government has assured that all necessary preparations are in place to handle any eventuality, official sources said.

“We have set a paddy procurement target of 10-15 lakh tonnes for this year. Provision of food and toilets has been made at the mandis. The millers have been strictly instructed to send their vehicles on time. All necessary arrangements are in place,” Odisha Co-operation Department Minister, Pradeep Bal Samanta, said to mediapersons.

“We are also keeping a strict vigil on the entire process to help conduct paddy procurement smoothly. Problems that crop up, after mandis open, will be resolved immediately,” Minister Bal Samanta expressed.

Worth mentioning, asserting that Odisha remains fully prepared for any possible cyclone, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said earlier in the day that the State government is actively monitoring the twin weather systems developing near the South Andaman Sea.

Any exigency will be effectively handled, the Minister stated.