Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Mohan Majhi will attend a state-level farmers’ meeting at Sohela in Bargarh district on Dec 8 and provide an additional amount of Rs 800 per quintal of paddy to farmers. The move will raise the minimum support price (MSP) of paddy to Rs 3,100 per quintal, according to the promise made by BJP in its election manifesto.
The decision was taken during a virtual discussion between the CM and district collectors to streamline the paddy procurement arrangements. From Dec 8, the additional Rs 800, along with Rs 2,300, will be credited to the bank accounts of farmers within 48 hours through direct benefit transfer (DBT).
The paddy procurement process will begin on Nov 20 in Bargarh district, followed by Sambalpur on Nov 22, and then extend to other districts. Between Nov 20 and Dec 7, a minimum support price of Rs 2,300 per quintal will be provided for paddy.
Separate arrangements have been made for the benefit of small and marginal farmers. Farmers are being informed and educated about the govt measures taken for paddy procurement through various awareness, education and communication programs, official sources said.
Distribution of tokens to farmers will begin on Nov 15, and district collectors can extend the token validity by up to seven days if needed, said an official. Majhi instructed collectors to ensure that paddy from neighbouring states does not enter the bordering districts.
Revenue minister Suresh Pujari, food supplies minister Krushna Chandra Patra, cooperation minister Pradeep Bal Samant, chief secretary Manoj Ahuja, among others, were present.