Bhubaneswar, 07 September (H.S.) : A record 21,42,723 farmers across Odisha have registered to sell paddy to the government during the ongoing Kharif procurement season, Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta said on Monday.

The minister clarified that the registration deadline will not be extended further. The state government had earlier granted an additional seven days to farmers, considering their interests and to ensure that eligible farmers could complete the registration process.

Farmers who have not yet completed the process can do so until 1 am on Monday, after which the registration window will close, the minister said.

Samanta said around 19.67 lakh farmers had registered for paddy procurement during the previous year. With the figure crossing 21 lakh this year, the state has recorded its highest-ever number of farmer registrations for paddy sale.

“Our government is always working in the interest of farmers,” the minister said, while also questioning the Opposition’s proposed agitation over the registration issue.

The Cooperation Minister also said the government is closely monitoring the availability and distribution of fertilisers across the state.

Odisha currently has around 24,400 tonnes of fertiliser in stock, he said, adding that strict action is being taken against dealers found negligent in distribution.

Depending on the nature of violations, action may include suspension or cancellation of dealers’ licences, the minister said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda