Bhubaneswar:Feb, 27: In a major assurance to the farming community of Odisha, the state government has announced that all paddy from registered farmers will be procured by March 31, and no farmer’s procurement token will lapse or be cancelled. This was clarified by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra while replying to an adjournment motion moved by the Opposition in the Assembly.
Opposition Playing Politics
Minister Patra stated that the picture being presented by the Opposition in the House regarding farmers’ issues contains more politics than facts. He said that due to reforms introduced in the procurement system, the interests of middlemen and unscrupulous traders have been affected, and the matter is now being given a political colour.
New Record in Paddy Procurement
The Minister shared data indicating that the government has achieved greater success in paddy procurement this year compared to last year:
2023–24: 70.88 lakh metric tonnes of paddy were procured from 15 lakh farmers.
2024–25: So far, 92.64 lakh metric tonnes of paddy have been procured from over 19.73 lakh farmers.
Around ₹28,719 crore has already been paid to farmers, which is more than double the amount paid during the previous government’s tenure.
Fulfilment of Rs3,100 Promise
As promised in the election manifesto, the government is procuring paddy at Rs3,100 per quintal. Although there was some initial pressure due to infrastructure and storage (warehouse) constraints, the situation has now been streamlined. The Minister added that farmers are bringing their paddy to mandis with dignity and satisfaction, and smiles can be seen on their faces.
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