Odisha Farmers Set to Receive Rs 3,100 per Quintal for Paddy

Bhubaneswar, Dec 8 (NationPress) On Sunday, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi commenced the distribution of input support amounting to Rs 800, supplementing the Minimum Support Price of Rs 2,300 per quintal of paddy to local farmers.

This initiative marks the fulfillment of the BJP government's pre-election commitment, ensuring that farmers receive a total of Rs 3,100 per quintal for their paddy. This subsidy will be directly credited to farmers via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

The Chief Minister introduced the additional input subsidies during a special event in the Sohela region of Bargarh district on Sunday.

While announcing the distribution, CM Majhi stated, 'All four major decisions made in our first cabinet meeting after the government formation on June 12 have been executed within six months. One notable decision was to ensure the payment of Rs 3,100 for paddy procurement, which we are delivering today in Sohela, Bargarh.'

He also emphasized that the government has honored all four promises, which included the opening of four entry points at Jagannath Temple in Puri, a Rs 500 crore fund for the 12th-century temple, and financial aid for women under the Subhadra scheme.

CM Majhi highlighted that paddy procurement commenced on November 20, with 21,500 farmers receiving the additional input support of Rs 800 on Sunday.

Farmers are expected to obtain Rs 3,100 per quintal through DBT within 48 hours after the paddy procurement starts from Sunday.

The Chief Minister reassured that the state government has established comprehensive measures to guarantee a procurement process that is robust, transparent, and efficient.

He noted that strict supervision is in place at borders with neighboring states to prevent the influx of paddy from other regions.

Additionally, he encouraged farmers to communicate any irregularities in the procurement process at Mandi through the toll-free number 1967.

CM Majhi mentioned that a budget of Rs 5,000 crore has been allocated in the Agriculture Department to ensure farmers can receive the additional input subsidy of Rs 800 without issues.

Furthermore, a record budget of Rs 33,919 crore has been set aside this year for the welfare of Odisha's farmers.