Bhubaneswar, 20 December (H.S.): Paddy procurement for the ongoing kharif season has commenced in Deogarh district, marking a key phase in the State’s procurement operations. The process will be carried out through 51 mandis, covering 21,414 registered farmers in the district.

To ensure smooth operations, 51 Mandi Nodal Officers and 13 supervising officers have been deployed. Compared to last year, the number of registered farmers has increased from 19,662, while two additional mandis have been made operational this season. The registered paddy cultivation area has also risen to 62,747 acres, up from 58,249 acres in the previous kharif season. A satellite survey of all registered paddy-growing areas has been completed.

The administration has ensured the availability of minimum facilities at all mandis, along with the installation of CCTV surveillance to maintain transparency and efficiency during procurement.

Currently, paddy procurement is underway in Bargarh, Nuapada, Sambalpur, Kalahandi, Sundargarh, Subarnapur and Balangir districts. So far, 3,05,050 metric tonnes of paddy have been procured from 67,250 farmers. An amount of ₹447.22 crore has been disbursed as Minimum Support Price (MSP), along with ₹138 crore as input assistance.

Procurement in the remaining districts will begin in a phased manner, with all necessary preparations underway. Registered farmers are being informed in advance and issued tokens accordingly. The State Government has ensured minimum facilities at mandis, with MSP payments credited to farmers’ bank accounts within 48 hours through an Aadhaar-linked e-KYC payment system.

The State Government continues to implement various measures to support farmers and promote their overall development.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda