Bhubaneswar: The miller cannot procure paddy from the Mandi; instead, a central or cooperative agency will handle procurement, said Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra.
Patra informed that a special arrangement has been made to ensure transparency in the paddy procurement system. He explained that each mandi will have one officer in charge, with one supervisor overseeing four to five mandis. Additionally, a district collector and minister will be responsible for two districts. Millers will be given specific targets and can only mill accordingly.
Recently, the government made a significant decision regarding paddy mandis, including sealing the borders of neighbouring states during procurement. The minister will oversee district operations. To prevent “Katni-Chhatni,” grain quality will be checked only once.
District Magistrates can extend token time limits if necessary. This move aims to stop millers’ arbitrariness, ensuring they procure grains according to set standards. Borders of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal will be sealed.
For the first time, Odisha farmers will receive approximately Rs 3,100 per quintal as the Minimum Support Price (MSP). District Collectors will be authorized to extend token time limits without needing State government approval.
