Bhubaneswar: The Rabi paddy procurement in Odisha is gaining momentum following its launch in Bargarh district on May 11, 2026. This phase is part of a broader state initiative covering 20 districts to ensure farmers receive fair value for their produce.
Principal Secretary, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, is spearheading the launch of the Rabi paddy procurement drive in Odisha, which commenced today in Bargarh district.
Known for his meticulous planning during the previous Kharif season, Shri Singh has overseen a strategy that integrates high-tech verification with farmer-centric facilities across 20 districts.
Under his leadership, the state has already registered 105,494 farmers in Bargarh alone, with 96,377 tokens issued today following rigorous verification. This organized rollout will extend to Balasore, Cuttack, Puri, and Sambalpur on May 15, where tens of thousands of additional farmers have already enrolled.
Shri Singh’s administration has prioritized financial transparency and speed, ensuring that farmers receive 3,100 rupees per quintal directly in their bank accounts within 48 hours. This payment includes the Minimum Support Price of 2,369 rupees and an additional 731 rupees as input assistance under the Krushak Samrudhi Yojana.
To prevent the logistical hurdles seen in the past, the Principal Secretary has mandated the deployment of nodal officers at every mandi to monitor the process in real-time. These procurement centers are now equipped with CCTV surveillance, temporary sheds, and drinking water to safeguard farmers against the current summer heat and potential unseasonal rains.
The current Rabi operation is influenced by the success of the 2025-26 Kharif season, where Shri Singh’s oversight led to the procurement of 77.48 lakh metric tonnes of paddy. That phase successfully disbursed over 23,455 crore rupees to nearly 19 lakh farmers, reinforcing the state’s rural economy.
By utilizing satellite imagery for crop verification and Aadhaar-based e-KYC authentication, the department continues to streamline operations while blocking fraudulent claims. Shri Singh has issued strict directives to resolve any ground-level complaints immediately, ensuring that the transition from Kharif success to Rabi implementation remains seamless for the farming community.