Inadequate Mandis delays paddy procurement in Odisha

Amid opposition allegations of irregularities and mismanagement in paddy procurement, the State Government has procured nearly seven lakh tonnes of paddy from farmers through Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS). A review of paddy procurement by PACS and LAMPS (Large area multi-purpose cooperative societies) revealed that over 6.72 lakh tonnes of paddy were purchased from 1,06,851 farmers as on December 17. Though the PACS/LAMPS have been given a target to procure 34.91 lakh tonnes paddy through 3296 mandis, only 1005 mandis are operational so far. Tripura Price of paddy in open market increases as FCI starts procurement. Price of paddy in local market shoots up as the Food Corporation of India starts procurement from local market in minimum support price of Rs 17.50 per KG in different parts of the state.