Record government purchase of paddy expected in Kalahandi district

04-Feb-2025 04:33 PM

The Kalahandi district in Odisha is set to break records for government procurement of paddy in the 2024-25 season. As of February 3, 2025, a total of 60.07 lakh quintals of paddy have already been procured, surpassing last year’s figure of 51.20 lakh quintals for the same period.

The state government has set a target of procuring 64.06 lakh quintals of paddy in the district, and while the procurement process is nearing completion, some procurement centers have already closed due to the completion of the process or lack of new stock.

Despite an initially slow start to the procurement process, the pace picked up over time. The delay was due to initial reluctance from rice millers to enter into custom milling agreements, along with their demand for an increase in milling charges from Rs 20 to Rs 120 per quintal, as well as higher transportation charges to match the rates in neighboring Chhattisgarh.

In addition, a dispute with the Food Corporation of India led to 60 millers being blacklisted for providing fewer sacks than required during the rice delivery, which caused some disruption.

However, the situation has normalized, and the procurement process is now in its final stages. A total of 223 procurement centers were set up, but 200 of them are now closed.

The progress indicates that Kalahandi may achieve its procurement target for the year, contributing to the district’s agricultural economy.