Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Warehouse Corporation (OSWC) handed over a dividend cheque of ₹4.36 crore to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhavan today. The dividend pertains to the financial years 2019-20 and 2020-21.
The cheque was presented in the presence of Minister for Cooperation, Handlooms, and Textiles, Pradeep Bala Samanta, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Cooperation, Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, and OSWC Managing Director, Mihir Prasad Mohanty.
The OSWC has consistently delivered profits through the efficient utilization of its storage capacity. As a result, it has maintained its tradition of paying dividends to its shareholders, which include the State Government and the Central Warehousing Corporation. For the financial years in question, the corporation reported profits of ₹6.36 crore in 2019-20 and ₹22.72 crore in 2020-21. Consequently, a combined dividend of ₹8.73 crore—30% of the total profit—was distributed equally, with each partner receiving ₹4.36 crore.
Established in 1958, OSWC operates 68 warehouses across Odisha’s 30 districts, boasting a total storage capacity of 5,21,400 metric tonnes. These facilities primarily cater to the agricultural sector, providing scientific storage and transportation services. They play a crucial role in storing food grains procured by agencies such as the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation (OSCSC Ltd) and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) for distribution under the Public Distribution System and various welfare schemes.
OSWC warehouses are instrumental in supporting farmers by storing food grains, oilseeds, pulses, and millets procured by agencies like NAFED and TDCC Ltd. These efforts ensure farmers receive the minimum support price (MSP) for their produce, reducing the risk of distress sales during harvest seasons.
The corporation’s warehouses also serve as essential hubs during natural disasters such as floods and cyclones, providing secure storage for food grains and ensuring prompt distribution to affected communities.
Beyond storage, OSWC facilities offer significant livelihood opportunities to local communities, engaging in cooperative activities related to storage and transportation. The corporation is dedicated to expanding its warehousing infrastructure and enhancing operational efficiency to meet the dynamic needs of its stakeholders.
The Chief Minister commended OSWC’s efforts in strengthening the state’s agricultural and food security framework. The dividend payment, he noted, underscores the corporation’s robust financial health and its commitment to contributing to Odisha’s economic growth and welfare objectives.
