Odisha Seeks Centre’s Lifting of 7.60 Lakh T Rice

22-Nov-2025 12:56 PM

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has requested the central government to clear the stock of 7.60 lakh tonnes of rice, which was procured by the state government for the central pool, within the stipulated timeframe.

Recently, the Odisha Food Supply Minister met with the Union Minister for Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution in New Delhi and requested the immediate release of ₹8178.19 crore in pending paddy subsidy claims.

The Odisha government's financial position has been weakened due to the non-payment of major pending dues for the three financial years from 2020 to 2023, and therefore, the government has requested its resolution as soon as possible and on a priority basis.

Furthermore, Odisha has requested the removal of surplus rice stocks to ensure smooth operation of the upcoming procurement cycle. It is noteworthy that Odisha is among the leading states contributing paddy and rice to the central pool.

The Odisha Food Minister requested the Union Food Minister to issue necessary instructions to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to dispatch the surplus rice stock currently in the state's warehouses within the stipulated timeframe.

He also requested that the government increase the government procurement target for paddy and rice in the state for the current Kharif marketing season.

The Union Minister assured the Odisha government of all possible assistance. Procurement of paddy from farmers in Odisha at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is expected to pick up pace soon, which has increased the state government's activism.