Odisha Paddy Procurement Row: Rice Millers Flag Storage Crisis, Patnaik Writes to CM
By Megha Bajaj
In a remarkable move to resolve the challenges faced in the Paddy procurement process, Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg met with a delegation from the Odisha Rice Millers Association to discuss the paddy procurement process in the state. According to reports, the meeting focused on issues related to procurement, milling, and distribution. Moreover, Rice Millers expressed concern about the ongoing difficulties in rice collection by the Food Corporation of India (FCI), custom milling, and rice storage. Not only this, but rice millers highlighted the increased costs due to increased storage time and the need for additional storage facilities. They also requested additional financial assistance for transportation and storage.
Patnaik’s letter flags the Issue of Paddy Procurement
Notably, paddy harvested for the 2024-2025 season is still being milled and distributed in Odisha. Rice millers have appealed to the government to resolve these issues before the beginning of the 2025-2026 season. In addition, Chief Secretary Garg assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted and steps will be taken to address concerns, while the Millers’ Association has consistently emphasised the need for cooperation. It is worth noting that difficulties in the Paddy procurement process in Odisha are being discussed. Rice millers in Odisha are also facing difficulties due to a lack of storage space. Reports stated that mills in Odisha are operating only one day a week due to a lack of storage space. Political tensions are escalating regarding the Kharif paddy procurement in Odisha. Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly and former Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, has written a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Mankashi flagging the issue of paddy procurement.
Also Read This:
- From Odisha’s Rice Fallow Management To Paddy Procurement Under Scanner
- Odisha Government to Roll Out Agri-Tech Smart Farm Initiative (ATSF)
In his letter to the Chief Minister, Patnaik stated that farmers are facing systemic exploitation in the state’s markets. He stated that farmers are facing severe hardship during the current Kharif procurement season. Farmers are facing arbitrary deductions and harassment in the mandis. He alleged that these deductions are occurring openly in various districts. Besides this, he claimed that farmers are being forced to accept lower prices under the guise of “mutual agreement” due to alleged collusion between rice millers and local officials. In his letter to the Chief Minister, Patnaik stated that the state BJP government had promised to provide an input subsidy of ₹800 per quintal to all farmers, but the recent decision limits this to a maximum of ₹150 per quintal. Patnaik, the former Chief Minister of Odisha, warned that if the government does not address these complaints, farmers will be forced to intensify their agitation across the state. Paddy procurement is being carried out in Odisha under the Kharif Marketing Season 2024-25.
Over 73.45 lakh MT of paddy procured during 2024-25
According to data, over 73.45 lakh metric tonnes of paddy have been procured during 2024-25. While the procurement process for the 2025-26 season has already been underway, with over 37.91 lakh metric tons of paddy has been procured so far. Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg met with a delegation from the Odisha Rice Millers Association to discuss addressing the challenges faced by the state in the rice procurement process. The millers highlighted the increased costs due to longer storage time and stressed the need for additional storage facilities. They also requested additional financial assistance for transportation and storage to ensure smooth operations.