Bhubaneswar: The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has decided to procure more than 8 lakh metric tons of rice from Odisha, taking the total procurement from the state to 58 lakh metric tons. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in a letter to Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution Prahlad Joshi, highlighted the move, stating that this step will strengthen the economic condition of farmers in Odisha.
On August 4, representatives of the All Odisha Rice Millers Association met Union Minister Joshi to discuss this matter and also submitted a formal letter. The procurement target for the Kharif crop has been increased from 40 lakh metric tons to 47 lakh metric tons, while the target for the Rabi crop has been revised upward from 10 lakh metric tons to 11 lakh metric tons.
Minister Pradhan expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Joshi for supporting the initiative. He emphasized that the government always prioritizes the welfare of farmers and that the decision to increase rice procurement will significantly enhance their financial stability.
Responding to Minister Pradhan’s letter, Minister Joshi confirmed that the FCI will procure an additional 8 lakh metric tons of rice from Odisha, ensuring a total procurement of 58 lakh metric tons. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the interests of Odisha’s farmers and boosting their income.
This timely decision by the Modi government is expected to not only strengthen the state’s economy but also provide much-needed support to farmers during the Kharif and Rabi seasons, ensuring better prices for their produce.
