Bhubaneswar: A record number of farmers have registered for paddy procurement in the ongoing Kharif season in Odisha. As of Sunday, 21,42,723 farmers across the state have completed their registration, informed Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta.
The registration window will not be extended any further. Keeping the interest of farmers in mind, the state government had earlier provided an additional seven days for registration. Farmers can still complete the process until 1 am. on Monday night, after which the deadline will close permanently, the minister clarified.
“Last year, around 19.67 lakh farmers had registered for paddy sale. This year the figure has already crossed 21 lakh, making it a record. Our government is always working in the interest of farmers,” he stated, while also questioning the opposition’s threat of agitation over the registration issue.
The minister further informed that the government is equally focused on fertiliser supply. The state currently has a stock of 24,400 tonnes of fertiliser. Strict action is being taken against dealers for any negligence in distribution, including suspension and cancellation of licences when required, he added.
