FCI to Procure 8 Lakh Metric Tonnes More Rice from Odisha, Says Dharmendra Pradhan
Bhubaneswar: The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has decided to procure an additional 8 lakh metric tonnes of rice from Odisha, thereby raising the total procurement target for the current season to 58 lakh metric tonnes. The information was shared by Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi in a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
According to the letter, the Union Government has revised the procurement targets for both Kharif and Rabi crops in response to the demands of Odisha farmers and rice millers.
- The Kharif paddy procurement target has been increased from 40 lakh MT to 47 lakh MT.
- For the Rabi crop, the target has been raised from 10 lakh MT to 11 lakh MT.
Dharmendra Pradhan thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi for the decision, saying that the move will significantly strengthen the financial condition of Odisha’s farmers. He added that the double-engine government is committed to protecting the interests of the “food givers” of the country.
This development follows a meeting held on August 4, where a delegation from the All Odisha Rice Millers Association met Minister Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi and requested higher procurement for both Kharif and Rabi seasons. Dharmendra Pradhan had also written to the ministry, urging increased procurement to support Odisha’s farmers, especially during the ongoing Ushna (parboiled) rice season.
Pradhan said that the Centre’s timely intervention will boost Odisha’s rural economy and ensure farmers receive the rightful value for their produce.
