Bhubaneswar: Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra reviewed the procurement of Rabi paddy in Odisha during a meeting at the Odisha State Supply Corporation Conference Hall. The meeting aimed to assess the progress of paddy procurement and address concerns related to the process.
According to the State Food Supply Corporation Managing Director K. Sudarshan Chakravarthy, about 6 lakh 6 thousand metric tonnes of paddy have been procured from around 88 thousand farmers in the state during the current Rabi season. The government has provided approximately Rs. 1566 crore as minimum support price and input assistance to the farmers.
The Minister directed the departmental officers to expedite paddy procurement in view of the monsoon rains and ensure adequate security arrangements for farmers’ paddy in the mandis. He also emphasized the importance of taking immediate action on any complaints of irregularities during paddy procurement.
The Minister further directed that steps be taken to modernize and increase the capacity of the existing 214 godowns in the state. He also stressed the need for prompt resolution of complaints received from farmers regarding paddy procurement and directed the departmental officers to take steps to protect the interests of farmers and ensure a smooth procurement process.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Public Distribution GM Sudhakar Shabar, Procurement GM Elora Samal, and Administrative GM Pranati Priyadarshini Rout.