Bhubaneswar, Nov 15: The procurement of Kharif paddy for the current season in Odisha is set to begin on November 20, with Bargarh district, one of the state’s major paddy-growing regions leading the way.

Officials have confirmed that the state government has made extensive preparations to ensure a smooth procurement process and effective storage facilities across mandis.

Modern infrastructure has been introduced at procurement centres to ensure proper handling and storage of paddy, providing farmers with an added layer of security for their produce during the process.

In a significant move, the state plans to establish 100 model mandis within the next two years. As part of the first phase, 38 mandis have already been finalised through a competitive tendering process, and work on these sites is underway. These mandis are expected to set high standards for efficiency, transparency, and farmer-centric operations.

Cooperative Minister Pradeep Balsamanta highlighted that the initiative demonstrates the state government’s commitment to supporting farmers and reinforcing cooperative structures. He further assured that the procurement drive would facilitate fair prices and smooth transactions for paddy cultivators across the state.

The upcoming procurement season is expected to benefit thousands of farmers throughout Odisha, ensuring that their efforts are rewarded with a streamlined and farmer-friendly process.