New Delhi/ Bhubaneswar, August 6: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday met Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi, urging the Centre to raise the rice procurement target from the state for the upcoming Kharif season.
Following the meeting, CM Majhi took to the social media platform X to share details of the discussion. " Called on Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri @JoshiPralhad ji today in New Delhi. Requested enhancement of the rice procurement target for the upcoming season, given the anticipated surplus in the state,” he posted.
The Chief Minister also urged the Centre to increase the monthly rice lifting quota allocated to the Food Corporation of India (FCI). This, he noted, would help ensure smooth stock movement from state godowns and prevent logistical bottlenecks during peak procurement periods.
During the meeting, CM Majhi highlighted the proactive measures taken by the Odisha government to strengthen the agri-food sector. He briefed the Union Minister on several initiatives, including the state's millet promotion drive, expansion of storage capacity, and various policy interventions aimed at ensuring food security and enhancing farmer welfare.
This meeting comes at a significant juncture, as Odisha anticipates a bumper paddy harvest. According to official projections, the state has produced around 93 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy this year (including both Kharif and Rabi crops), which translates to 63 LMT of rice—more than double the state’s annual requirement of 27 LMT.
Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan, along with Deputy Chief Minister KV Singhdeo and Odisha MPs, also attended the meeting in the national capital.
