Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will start paddy procurement from today in Bargarh and Sambalpur districts.
The Odisha government has taken several measures to ensure a smooth paddy procurement process. A supervisor will be appointed to oversee every 4-5 mandis, while patrolling units will prevent middlemen from interfering with the process.
Additionally, farmers will receive a Rs 800 subsidy, which will be distributed starting December 8. In a bid to facilitate timely payments, farmers will receive direct payments within 48 hours of procurement. These initiatives aim to safeguard farmers’ interests and provide them with fair prices for their produce.
The Odisha government announced these measures to prevent exploitation by middlemen and ensure fair prices for farmers. Additionally, the government has decided to provide Rs 31,000 per quintal of paddy to farmers and the payment will be made directly to their accounts within 48 hours.
The government has also warned middlemen to stay away from the procurement process. The Revenue Minister stated that officers will be present at the mandis from procurement to sale to ensure transparency.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Krushna Chandra Patra held a high-level meeting with administrative officials to discuss ways to make the procurement process transparent and hassle-free. He also cautioned middlemen against interfering with the process.
