Satellite survey flags nearly 19L fake paddy plots in Odisha, show-cause notice to be issued

A satellite survey flagged a large number of fake farmers in Odisha, prompting the state government to initiate action against irregular registrations made to avail input subsidies.

According to data from the Cooperation Department, satellite surveys were conducted on 25 lakh land plots registered for paddy procurement. The exercise revealed that nearly 19 lakh plots did not have paddy cultivation, despite being declared as such by registered farmers. These plots were found to be non-cultivated or used for purposes other than paddy farming.

As per official figures, a total of 26,14,137 plots across all 30 districts of Odisha were registered for paddy sale so far. Of these, field-level verification was completed for 24,94,437 plots as part of the state’s validation process.

Field Verification Confirms Limited Cultivation

The verification process established that paddy cultivation was actually being carried out in only 5,46,591 plots. In contrast, nearly 19 lakh plots were identified where no paddy was grown, despite being projected as paddy cultivation land during registration. Officials said this mismatch points to large-scale misrepresentation aimed at gaining undue benefits under government schemes.

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Show-Cause Notices To Be Issued

In view of the findings, the Odisha government directed all Deputy Directors concerned to issue show-cause notices to farmers who declared non-cultivated land as paddy plots. The notices will seek explanations from those found to have made false declarations, and further action will be taken based on their responses, officials said.