Bhubaneswar: The State government has reassured farmers that it will procure paddy despite its poor quality caused by unseasonal rain.
Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra stated that all farmers’ paddy will be procured, and collectors have been instructed accordingly. Additionally, farmers will be given an extra 15 days if their tokens lapse, allowing them more time to dry their wet paddy and sell it in the mandi.
The minister acknowledged delays in opening some mandis due to bad weather but emphasized that fair price will be given after assessing the damage to the paddy.
So far, 7.5 lakh metric tonnes of paddy have been sold, with direct transfers made to the accounts of 1.5 lakh farmers, totaling Rs 2100 crore.
Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari also assured that the government is ready to compensate farmers for damages caused by unseasonal rains, following existing rules.
