Bhubaneswar: November 13: Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Dasburma informed Media that, procurement of Kharif paddy from mandis will begin from November 15. Yesterday there was a talk, between All Odisha Rice Millers’ Association and the Food Supply and Consumer Welfare department which ends without result. Briefing media persons here, Minister said the procurement would begin in Atabira, Godabhaga and Kolapani blocks in Bargarh district while procurement committee in the remaining districts will decide on the date for procurement. Regarding issues of rice millers, Sri Dasburma said, his department is reviewing the issues and if required, there will be further discussion with them.
Millers say, if the State Govt is not able to pay money on various heads like transportation, mandi handling and supply of sacks for the purchase of paddy, they will not handle such responsibilities. The millers will only do the milling part and after milling, they will return rice to the government. Asked about the matter, the minister said his department will have a meeting with the rice millers to discuss about their issues.
On this occasion, Minister seeks co-operation from all to streamline the process for paddy procurement, so that the farmers can get Minimum Support Price as entitled.
