Odisha has marked a remarkable achievement in the registration of farmers for paddy procurement during the ongoing Kharif season.

A total of 22.28 lakh farmers have registered to sell their crops, exceeding last year’s count of 19.67 lakh. This increase of approximately 2.61 lakh registrations indicates a growing confidence in the state’s procurement framework.

Krushna Chandra Patra, the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister, affirmed that the government is committed to purchasing paddy from every registered farmer, emphasizing that no one will be left out of the process. He reiterated the administration’s dedication to protecting the interests of farmers.

Despite facing technical issues and natural challenges, such as floods that hindered registration in certain areas, the government extended deadlines to encourage greater participation. Farmers were able to register through cooperative societies, Common Service Centres (CSCs), and other designated locations throughout the state.

Officials highlighted that this surge in registrations underscores the trust in the government’s transparent procurement efforts. The administration has promised to ensure that the process remains smooth and farmer-friendly, facilitating timely purchases and payments.

This landmark registration achievement bodes well for Odisha’s agricultural sector. As procurement is set to commence soon, farmers are hopeful for fair pricing and support for agricultural inputs, which will enhance rural livelihoods.