Paddy Procurement Picks Up Pace Across Odisha, Over 2.24 Lakh Tonnes Procured

Bhubaneswar: The paddy procurement process has gathered momentum across Odisha, with procurement operations currently underway in Bargarh, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Sambalpur, Subarnapur and Sundargarh districts. The procurement is being carried out in phases as per decisions taken by the respective District Level Paddy Procurement Committees.

So far, a total of 2,24,704 metric tonnes of paddy has been procured from 49,051 farmers across these districts. Officials said the current season has witnessed increased participation by farmers, driven by wider coverage of agricultural areas and improved procurement mechanisms.

Sambalpur district has recorded a notable rise in procurement this year compared to the same period last year. Paddy has been procured from 18,891 farmers in the district so far, as against 14,896 farmers during the corresponding period last year. While procurement in Sambalpur had begun on November 25 last year, it commenced on December 2 this year, yet registered higher farmer participation.

The state government has intensified efforts to encourage maximum farmer participation in the procurement process. More farmers have been registered this year following the expansion of procurement coverage and completion of satellite surveys of agricultural land. The enhanced Minimum Support Price (MSP) and input assistance have also helped attract farmers to sell their produce through official channels.

Officials said eligible farmers are being issued procurement tokens within the stipulated timeframe. In case of any grievances, farmers can approach the concerned mandi or district administration, or lodge complaints through the toll-free helpline number 1967. District collectors have been directed to ensure prompt redressal of grievances.

Farmers have been advised not to pay heed to rumours or misinformation related to paddy procurement. The government has assured that payments are being credited directly to farmers’ bank accounts within 48 hours of procurement through an Aadhaar-linked e-KYC-based payment system, ensuring transparency and timely disbursal.