The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, MARCH 8, 2025
Odisha has achieved a significant milestone in paddy procurement, with 70 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) procured from approximately 15.65 lakh farmers during the ongoing kharif season. This achievement was highlighted during a review meeting chaired by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra at Lokseva Bhawan on Saturday.
Key officials, including Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh and Managing Director of Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation Shubham Saxena, participated in the meeting, which focused on reviewing the department’s progress.
Principal Secretary Singh reported that the government has successfully transferred Rs 15,613 crore as Minimum Support Price (MSP) payments to farmers, along with an additional Rs 5,430 crore in Input Assistance.
Preparations for the upcoming Rabi season are also underway, with procurement set to begin on May 1 and continue until June 30. To ensure a smooth process, farmer registration will commence this month, with a focus on improving and streamlining registration procedures based on lessons from the kharif season.
The meeting also reviewed the supply of remaining rice from the procured paddy to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) for distribution.
Minister Patra emphasized the need to expedite the e-KYC process, noting that 92% of beneficiaries have completed it. Efforts are ongoing to provide internet access at Fair Price Shops (FPSs) in areas with weak connectivity to enable the completion of e-KYC for the remaining 30.84 lakh beneficiaries.
To enhance food security and nutrition, the state will pilot the transformation of 30 selected FPSs into Jan-Poshan Kendras. These centres will offer nutritious products, such as millets, alongside regular Public Distribution System (PDS) supplies. A team of officials will visit similar centres in other states to gather insights and adopt best practices.
