Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has ramped up efforts to curb the illegal inflow of paddy from neighboring states during the ongoing procurement season. With the goal of safeguarding the state’s procurement system, special vigilance measures have been implemented in border districts, according to an official press release.
A total of 84 enforcement teams have been deployed across various districts to monitor and prevent irregularities. Notably, 10 teams are stationed in Bargarh and 21 in Sambalpur, two of the state’s key paddy-producing regions. These squads are responsible for inspecting vehicles entering Odisha with paddy from neighboring states and monitoring the transportation of paddy from mandis to mills and depots.
The enforcement squads have been granted authority to take immediate action against violations, including the seizure of vehicles involved in irregularities. Civil Supply Officers in each district have been directed to work closely with these teams, while district collectors oversee operations to ensure effective implementation.
Additional squads will be deployed in phases as the procurement season advances, reinforcing the government’s commitment to maintaining a transparent and fair system.
To complement these enforcement measures, the government is conducting extensive awareness campaigns to educate farmers about the official paddy procurement process. These initiatives aim to encourage farmers to participate in the legal procurement system, thereby reducing instances of illegal sales.
The state has also enhanced arrangements at mandis to provide farmers with a seamless and efficient experience during the sale of paddy. This includes streamlined operations to ensure timely payments and logistical support, discouraging farmers from engaging in unauthorized transactions.
The government’s stringent measures and proactive approach aim to protect the integrity of Odisha’s procurement system, ensuring fair practices and preventing disruptions caused by the inflow of illegal paddy.
