4.68 Lakh Quintals of Paddy Procured in Malkangiri District This Season

Malkangiri, Jan 27: A total of 4.68 lakh quintals of paddy has been procured so far from farmers in Malkangiri district. This accounts for nearly 50 percent of the total procurement target of 8.66 lakh quintals set for the current Kharif season, informed District Supply Officer Lingaraj Behera to the media.

For the ongoing Kharif season, a target of 8.66 lakh quintals of paddy procurement has been fixed for the district. So far, 4.68 lakh quintals have already been procured. A total of 46,326 farmers have registered to sell their paddy. The district administration has made arrangements for procurement through 68 mandis (procurement centres), along with 6 additional mandis.

Twenty-four millers have been assigned responsibility for the procurement process. So far, Rs72 crore 4 lakh 40 thousand has been credited directly to the bank accounts of farmers, Mr. Behera stated.

The government is procuring paddy at ₹3,100 per quintal, including bonus, bringing cheer among farmers. However, millers have expressed dissatisfaction. The State Millers’ Association had been continuing an agitation for several days to press for their demands, but the protest has been temporarily suspended following the government’s decision. A meeting with the concerned departmental Minister is scheduled for the 20th to discuss the millers’ demands and explore possible solutions.

Earlier, certain charges were lower, but they have now been increased. Millers claim that while labour charges for loading and unloading stand at Rs14 per quintal, the government does not adequately bear these expenses, forcing them into financial strain. They have demanded that transport charges, currently Rs14 per quintal, be increased to Rs40 per quintal.

Previously, the government bore 1 percent of the loss due to drying shrinkage of paddy, but the association alleges that this compensation has now been withdrawn. Similarly, custody charges of Rs14 and three months of storage (godown) charges have reportedly been cancelled. The matter is currently under consideration by the government.