The paddy procurement for kharif marketing season (KMS) began in the district. The procurement will start in Kuchinda and Rairakhol sub-divisions from November 23 and November 27 respectively. Food and Civil Supplies Officer, Sambalpur, said the State Government has set a tentative target to procure 2,55,882 tonnes of paddy during the KMS. Of the total 2,55,882 tonnes of paddy, Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation, MARKFED and Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation will procure 2,30,882 tonnes, 22,059 tonnes and 2,941 tonnes respectively. On the first day, about 44,894 bags of paddy have been procured.