Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified efforts to curb the illegal inflow of paddy from neighbouring states during the procurement season. Special vigilance has been heightened in border districts to ensure that paddy from outside does not enter and disrupt the state’s procurement system.
According to an official press release, to enforce this, 84 dedicated enforcement teams have been deployed across various districts, with 10 teams stationed in Bargarh and 21 in Sambalpur.
These squads are tasked with monitoring vehicles entering Odisha with paddy from border states and those transporting paddy from mandis to mills and depots.
The teams have been empowered to take immediate action, including seizing vehicles involved in irregularities.
Civil Supply Officers in each district have been instructed to coordinate closely with enforcement teams, while district collectors will oversee operations and communication protocols. More squads will be added in a phased manner as the procurement season progresses.
Alongside these measures, the government is conducting extensive awareness campaigns to inform farmers about the official process for selling paddy and ensuring their participation in the procurement system.
Arrangements have been made at mandis to provide farmers with a smooth and efficient experience, further discouraging the illegal sale of paddy.
