Bhubaneswar, 4 August (H.S.): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan held a key meeting with representatives of the All Odisha Rice Millers Association to discuss issues concerning the evacuation of Custom Milled Rice (CMR) from the state.

The meeting took place in the presence of Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi, and Members of Parliament Bhartruhari Mahtab and Pradeep Purohit.

During the discussion, Pradhan emphasized the need for urgent evacuation of CMR and requested the support of Pralhad Joshi in addressing logistical bottlenecks. He also urged the Centre to enhance Odisha’s paddy procurement target to 62 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) for the upcoming 2025–26 season and ensure the smooth procurement of paddy from farmers.

Highlighting the broader impact, Pradhan stated that these measures would significantly enhance the income and welfare of Odisha’s farmers, improve rural livelihoods, and strengthen food security in the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda