Bhubaneswar: The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha, organized a review meeting on the procurement of Kharif millet under Shree Anna Abhiyan at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar.
The Odisha government has approved an increase in minimum support price (MSP) for the mandated Kharif crop for the marketing season 2024-25. As per the decision, the minimum support price (MSP) for Mandia (finger millet) has been set at Rs 4,290 per quintal along with an additional incentive of Rs. 210 per quintal. This takes the total financial assistance to Rs. 4,500 per quintal for the 2024-25 Kharif marketing season.
The meeting chaired by Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, emphasized the need for transparency in the millet procurement process and directed department officials to ensure that farmers receive their rightful dues.
Besides, Padhee made it clear that if any irregularities are found in providing the rightful dues to the farmers, action will be taken accordingly.
The officials were also instructed to expedite awareness campaigns to educate farmers and the general public about the programme. The officials presented detailed information on the programme’s implementation and progress.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Agriculture Department, Supply Department, Tribal Development Department, and Shree Anna Abhiyan.