Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal by the Cooperation Department to launch a new State Plan Scheme for setting up “Model Mandis” across the state. The initiative aims to modernise the agricultural marketing ecosystem, improve farmers’ market access, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure fair prices for produce.
Under the plan, 38 Model Mandis will be developed in the first phase — one in each district — including 14 large, 17 medium, and 7 small facilities. Locations have been finalised after extensive fieldwork. In the second phase, another 62 mandis will be upgraded to Model Mandi status.
The Model Mandis will integrate key marketing activities under one roof with upgraded infrastructure and digital systems. Features will include modern storage facilities, raised concrete drying platforms, cover sheds, quality testing kiosks, cooling chambers, farmers’ rest-sheds, clean toilets (with separate facilities for women farmers), eateries, vending zones, bank branches, ATMs, parking areas, electronic weighbridges, relevant retail outlets, and waste disposal systems.
The Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation Ltd. (OBCC) will execute the projects, while the Odisha State Agricultural Marketing Board (OSAM Board) will monitor progress through a dedicated Project Monitoring Cell.
The scheme’s total estimated cost for the first phase is ₹300 crore, with ₹150 crore sourced from Regulated Market Committees under the OSAM Board and the remaining ₹150 crore from the State Plan Scheme. The government has already allocated ₹50 crore in the current financial year for the project. The mandis are slated for completion during 2025–26 and 2026–27.
Officials said the reforms would bring transparency, encourage direct market linkages, and leverage technology to help farmers secure better returns for their produce.
