Bhubaneswar: The Kharif paddy procurement drive is set to kick off on November 20, starting with Bargarh district, announced Cooperative Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta. The initiative aims to streamline procurement and enhance infrastructure for farmers, ensuring fair prices and smooth transactions.
The state government will procure paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal, with the minimum support price (MSP) being Rs 2,300 per quintal and an additional input assistance of Rs 800 per quintal. Modern facilities have been installed at procurement mandis to ensure safe storage and handling of paddy. 100 model mandis will be established over two years, with 38 already underway, the minister said.
However, farmers in Bargarh district are protesting, demanding registration of left-out paddy cultivators, timely procurement, and compensation for crop loss. The protest has entered its second day, with farmers vowing to continue until their demands are met
