Berhampur: Ganjam administration has sought approval from the govt to increase its paddy procurement target by another 1.34 lakh quintals. The request comes as over 9,000 registered farmers in the district are yet to sell their produce at mandis (paddy procurement centres), despite having received tokens.
Chief civil supplies officer (CCSO) Pusha Mund said that despite achieving an all-time high in paddy procurement this year, several farmers are yet to sell their produce. “We expect a decision from the govt soon. If approved, almost all good-quality paddy will be procured this year. The procurement process is expected to be completed in Ganjam before the govt deadline of March 31,” said Mund.
So far, the district administration has procured 57 lakh quintals of paddy from 1,35,090 farmers. The govt had initially set a procurement target of 59.74 lakh quintals from eligible farmers in Ganjam. After verification, authorities identified 1,44,684 farmers eligible to sell their paddy at the mandis. According to Mund, the district authorities had procured 44.58 lakh quintals of paddy from the farmers last year.
He also said that there have been no complaints regarding payment delays. So far, the govt has disbursed Rs 1,243.51 crore to 1,28,946 farmers, and the remaining payments are being processed.
Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy thanked the govt for the timely disbursement of payments, which he said would aid farmers in preparing for the next kharif season. Paddy procurement in Ganjam began on Jan 3 with the opening of 478 mandis.