Bhubaneswar, February 17: Odisha government has procured over 58.84 lakh tonnes of paddy in the ongoing Kharif 2025-26 season, benefiting 13.69 lakh farmers with over Rs 12,916 crore in MSP payments. The state has also disbursed Rs 3,985.63 crore in input assistance to farmers, Krushna Chandra Patra, Minister of Food Supply and Consumer Welfare, said.

As of February 17, 59.03 lakh tonnes of paddy arrived at mandis, with 57.20 lakh tonnes already lifted by millers. Bargarh, Kalahandi, and Ganjam are the top procurement districts. Despite smooth operations, 1.63 lakh tonnes of paddy remain in mandis, and 1.86 lakh tonnes are awaiting miller acceptance.

The government aims to complete the procurement process on time, with direct MSP payments to farmers, ensuring transparency and eliminating middlemen. The initiative also supports farmers' costs, boosting the agricultural economy.