Odisha’s Agrarian Sector Hits Record Milestone: ₹2,350 Crore Disbursed as Paddy Procurement Scales Up

Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to Odisha’s rural economy, the state government has reached a massive milestone in the ongoing Kharif procurement season, injecting ₹2,350 crore into the agricultural sector. Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra confirmed on Thursday that the state has successfully procured 10.50 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of paddy from approximately 2.30 lakh farmers across 18 districts. This financial infusion, delivered through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), comprises both the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the state’s ₹800 per quintal input assistance under the Samruddha Krushak Yojana. While the total payout for the 2024-25 season was set at ₹3,100 per quintal, recent revisions for the 2025-26 cycle have further increased this to ₹3,169 per quintal for common grade paddy.

To manage the record harvest and clear overflowing warehouses, the state has secured a crucial agreement with the Central government to procure an additional 6 lakh MT of rice. Of this, 5 lakh MT will be parboiled rice, with the procurement expected to be completed by April 2026. This intervention is vital as Odisha currently holds a 7 lakh MT surplus, with the remaining 1 lakh MT slated for disposal through open auction. The Minister highlighted that the current cycle is moving at an unprecedented pace, supported by the issuance of 9.41 lakh tokens—nearly double the 4.07 lakh tokens issued during the same period last year.

Addressing long-standing operational concerns, the government has adopted a “zero-tolerance” policy toward “Katni-Chhatni” (unauthorized weight deductions). To enforce this, 303 AI-based grain analyzers and 140 modern grain cleaners have been deployed at mandis to ensure scientific quality assessment and help farmers upgrade “Non-Fair Average Quality” (non-FAQ) produce. With a record 19.68 lakh farmers registered across 61.67 lakh acres, the state continues to enforce procurement limits of 19 quintals per acre for irrigated land and 13 quintals per acre for non-irrigated land. Minister Patra assured that procurement will continue through March to ensure every registered farmer has the opportunity to sell their surplus grain at the enhanced rates.