Kharif paddy procurement to begin from Nov 15 in Odisha

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Nov 13:

Odisha Government will initiate kharif paddy procurement through its procurement centers in Bargarh district starting November 15, said Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Das Burma today.

Even though a crucial meeting between the government and Odisha Rice Millers’ Association pertaining to procurement strategy this season failed yesterday, the Minister assured that the government will anyway press ahead with procurement in Atabira, Godabhaga and Kolapani blocks of Bargarh district from the said date.

“As many as 16 rice millers have been registered for Kharif paddy procurement in Bargarh district this year. Even though the meeting yesterday didn’t bear desired results, we are in loop with the millers. Another meeting will be held with them to sort out the differences- if necessary,” said Minister Das Burma.

“I expect cooperation from all concerned parties including the millers to ensure that the farmers get their minimum support price for their crop. The procurement drive cannot be successful without the millers given their key role in it,” he added.

The procurement plan for the remaining districts, meanwhile, will be decided later by the procurement committee.

It may be noted here that the State Government has set itself an ambitious target of procuring 30 lakh metric tonnes of paddy during the kharif season this year.