The Government has set a target for procuring 30,000 tonne paddy in Jharsuguda district in 38 outlets.
Paddy will be collected directly from the farmers through 40 outlets, including two market yards. However, the quantity may change at a later stage depending on the circumstances, said District Civil Supply Officer PDM Khosla. The process will start from December 10 and will continue for 90 days.
In 2014-15, against the target of 66,176 MT, only 56,0 87 MT paddy could be collected. But, the situation will be different this year due to scanty and irregular rainfall which may affect the procurement. Each farmer can sell the balance quantity after keeping two quintals paddy for family use, as per the current arrangements. A total 11,058 farmers have already been registered by November 13 in the district portal for this purpose. As per the planning of the District Agriculture Department, a total 13, 804,705 MT paddy will be procured at the rate of 32.40 quintal per hectare. This year, the average production in the district has been 29 quintal per hectare. In 2014-15, the production was 84964.5 MT.
Meanwhile, the joint crop cutting has been completed. The district Collector also has reported the Government about less paddy production by 33 per cent.Out of the 38 outlets of the district, eight will be in Jharsuguda, 14 in lakhanpur, seven in laikera, four in Kirmira, five in Kolabira and two market yards in Sarbahal and Rengali.
