At a time when nearly 139 blocks in 21 districts have been identified as drought affected and the incidents of farmer suicides are on the rise due to crop loss, the State Government on Friday decided to begin procurement of Kharif paddy from farmers fromNovember 15.
Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Dasburma told reporters here that all district Collectors have been asked to hold district-level procurement committee meetings to fix the target.
He also said the Department would hold a meeting with the district farmers’ representatives and millers in Bhubaneswar on Saturday to fix the procurement target.
On November 4, the district Collectors under the northern range would be meeting regarding the procurement whereas Collectors under the southern range would meet on November 6 at Brahmapur. The Collectors under the Central range would discuss at Cuttack on November 7.
“During the meet, we will receive input from the farmer representatives on their yield. We will also discuss on the issues the farmers are facing on the e-pass system,” the Minister said.
