Odisha Minister Urges Centre to Enhance Paddy Procurement Target

BHUBANESWAR, Nov 20: Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krishna Chandra Patra has requested Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi to raise the state’s paddy procurement target for the current season.

During a meeting with Joshi in New Delhi on Wednesday, Patra emphasised the need for the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to expedite the lifting of rice from Odisha. He urged the Centre to issue directions for FCI to collect nearly 7.5 lakh metric tonnes of rice within the stipulated timeframe to ensure smooth procurement operations and prevent storage-related challenges.

Patra also pressed for the release of around ₹8,000 crore in pending dues, which the State is yet to receive for previous paddy and rice procurement cycles. He highlighted that timely release of funds is crucial to ensure payments to farmers and maintain procurement efficiency.

According to official sources, Joshi assured full cooperation and promised to positively consider Odisha’s requests.