Odisha government will pay to farmers Rs 3,100 per quintal for paddy procurement

In the upcoming Kharif marketing season, the Odisha government has announced to buy paddy from farmers at an increased price of Rs 3,100 per quintal. Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare, Science & Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra made this announcement on June 20. He said that the government has taken this decision in the interest of the farmers. Along with this, from the upcoming Kharif marketing season, farmers will be paid immediately without any deduction within 48 hours of selling their produce. 

Patra said that during its election campaign, the BJP had promised to increase the purchase price of paddy to Rs 3100 per quintal. Now this commitment is being fulfilled after the formation of the government. He said that after the announcement of Rs 2,300 per quintal MSP for paddy by the Central Government, it has become a little easier for the state government to pay the increased price. Otherwise, the state government would have to pay Rs 917 more than the recent price instead of Rs 800. He said that the government is now focusing on providing increased price on paddy, so that farmers do not face any problem. Procurement of paddy will be expedited so that farmers do not have to wait in the mandi for several days.

Rice ATMs to be opened in Bhubaneswar

Krushna Chandra Patra also announced the opening of rice ATMs in Odisha's capital Bhubaneswar. He said that rice ATMs will be started in Bhubaneswar for ration card beneficiaries in the coming week. Beneficiaries will be able to get rice directly from these machines by swiping their cards. Steps will be taken to provide rice ATM facilities in other districts as well. The government is in talks with World Food Programme officials to get the necessary technical support to implement it on a large scale. Meanwhile, the Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Minister said that the state government is actively working on fake ration cards. So far, about 50 lakh fake beneficiaries have been identified. Steps are being taken to withdraw fake cards and include real beneficiaries.