Bhubaneswar : The State Cabinet on Saturday decided to dispose of 1 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of surplus rice through open market auction to prevent financial losses and ensure efficient stock management.
During the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25, the state achieved a historic milestone by procuring a record 73.46 lakh MT of paddy. Combined with 19.19 lakh MT procured in the Rabi season, the total paddy procurement reached an all-time high.
This has resulted in an estimated 63.37 lakh MT of rice (including Fortified Rice Kernels – FRK).The Government of India had approved a procurement target of 58 lakh MT of rice, out of which around 30 lakh MT will be used within the state under NFSA, OWS, and SFSS schemes, while 28 lakh MT will be evacuated by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) for the central pool.
Consequently, 5.37 lakh MT of rice emerged as surplus.Out of this surplus, 2.26 lakh MT has already been utilised through internal consumption and 1.09 lakh MT has been distributed in 121 ITDA blocks, leaving a balance of 2.02 lakh MT.To manage the remaining stock effectively, the Cabinet has authorised the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation (OSCSC) Ltd. to conduct the auction sale of 1 lakh MT of surplus rice in the open market.
The auction will follow government guidelines and the pricing methodology adopted by FCI. Any financial loss arising from the auction will be borne by the State Government.The proposal received full Cabinet approval with necessary support from the Finance, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, and Cooperation Departments.
