A recent review meeting in Bhubaneswar, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, focused on the Rabi paddy procurement in Odisha for the 2024-25 season. The meeting highlighted that the state procured 19 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy, exceeding the initial target of 14 LMT. The final day of Rabi procurement was Monday. The achievement represents a notable increase from the 12 LMT procured the previous year. Odisha remains unique in providing Rs 3,100 per quintal for Rabi paddy, encompassing both the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and input assistance under the ‘Samruddh Krushak Yojana.’ The government has announced an e-KYC system for farmers to improve transparency and curb paddy inflow from neighboring states. Also, a new policy on paddy procurement is in the works. This year, Odisha produced 93 LMT of paddy, yielding around 63 LMT of rice, a significant surplus over the domestic need of 27 LMT. The excess rice will be utilized, potentially for 2G ethanol production using paddy straw and broken rice within the state.
