Odisha to Establish 38 Model Mandis for Farmers and Traders

Bhubaneswar, Aug 13 : The Odisha Cabinet has approved a proposal to set up “Model Mandis” across the state, aiming to provide farmers, traders, and stakeholders with seamless, modern agricultural marketing platforms.

Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja said the initiative is part of a new State Plan Scheme designed to integrate essential marketing activities under one roof with upgraded infrastructure and digital systems. The scheme seeks to develop a transparent, efficient agri-marketing ecosystem, facilitate direct market linkages, and enable farmers to secure better prices for their produce.

The Model Mandis will feature modern storage facilities, drying platforms, quality testing kiosks, cooling chambers, rest sheds, women’s amenities, food courts, vending zones, bank branches, ATMs, parking areas, electronic weighbridges, retail outlets, and waste disposal systems.

As part of ongoing agricultural market reforms, 38 sites across all 30 districts have been identified for the first phase — comprising 14 large, 17 medium, and 7 small mandis. The next phase will add another 62 mandis, with site selection already underway.

The Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation Ltd. (OBCC) will develop the infrastructure, while the Odisha State Agricultural Marketing Board (OSAM Board) will monitor progress through a dedicated Project Monitoring Cell.

The project, estimated at ₹300 crore, will be implemented during FY 2025–26 and 2026–27. Funding will come equally from Regulated Market Committees (₹150 crore) and the State Plan Scheme (₹150 crore), with ₹50 crore already allocated for the current financial year.

“These reforms will reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access, and ensure fair prices for farmers,” Ahuja said.