Bhubaneswar: The state government has formed a high-level ministerial sub-committee to maintain departmental coordination and ensure a transparent paddy procurement process for the Kharif season. Ministers have been allocated district-wise responsibilities to keep a close watch on the mandis.
Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra informed the State Assembly that CCTV cameras have been installed at borders to prevent illegal paddy entry from neighbouring states. Additionally, CCTV and control rooms have been set up in each mandi for monitoring. The government has warned of strict action against any government officials involved in corruption.
A total of 19.68 lakh farmers have registered for paddy sale, and the government is providing Rs 3100 per quintal support price as promised. To address the issue of ‘Katni-Chhatni’ in the mandis, modern quality testing equipment, 140 mobile paddy cleaning machines, and 303 AI-based analysers have been provided.
The government is prioritising small farmers and sharecroppers in paddy purchase. Due to unseasonal rains, paddy harvesting has been delayed in some areas. However, district collectors have been empowered to extend the token period by 15 days for farmers unable to sell their paddy within the stipulated time frame.
Minister Patra stated that the government is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent paddy procurement process
