Bhubaneswar, 06 June (H.S.): To ensure seamless paddy procurement from farmers and to address operational challenges faced by millers statewide, the Odisha government has approved a two-fold increase in rice milling charges.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made the decision, stating that the revision aims to facilitate uninterrupted paddy procurement and strengthen the state's food management system.

As per the revised rates, the milling charge for parboiled rice (usna rice) has been increased from ₹20 per quintal to ₹40 per quintal. Similarly, the milling charge for raw rice (arwa rice) has been revised from ₹10 per quintal to ₹20 per quintal.

The government stated that the decision is expected to resolve issues faced by rice millers, thereby ensuring a smoother procurement process of paddy directly from farmers. Officials believe the move will help improve efficiency in the procurement chain and support the state’s public distribution system.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the revised milling charges would ensure hassle-free procurement operations and safeguard the interests of farmers while strengthening Odisha’s food security framework.

The government also noted that in recent years, there has been a significant rise in labour costs, fuel prices, and other operational expenses related to milling activities. Despite this, Odisha’s milling charges had remained comparatively lower than those in several other states, necessitating the revision.

Officials added that the decision aligns with the state’s broader objective of improving agricultural marketing systems and ensuring timely procurement of paddy during the procurement season.

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda