Odisha Chief Secretary Reviews Paddy Procurement and PDS Efficiency for 2025–26
Bhubaneswar, Jan 4: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg conducted a comprehensive review of the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department’s operations, focusing on Kharif paddy procurement and the efficiency of the Public Distribution System (PDS).
For the 2025–26 season, 19.67 lakh farmers have registered, covering 61.67 lakh acres of paddy cultivation. As of January 3, procurement has begun in 18 districts, with 11.84 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) already procured.
A total of 2.71 lakh farmers have sold 12.05 LMT of paddy.
The department has introduced advanced technology, including satellite imagery for transparency, token systems, quality checks, and direct bank transfers within 48 hours of sale.
Monitoring mechanisms such as CCTV surveillance at mandis, mobile apps for nodal officers, and online vehicle tracking have been deployed.
With 1,418 millers engaged and nearly 4,000 procurement centres operational, the state is addressing storage challenges by planning additional smart godowns. Currently, 162 government godowns with a capacity of 6.5 LMT are in use.
On the distribution front, over 11,700 fair price shops are ensuring food grain allocation statewide. Under NFSA and the State Food Security Scheme, 3.27 crore beneficiaries receive rice, with 96% completing e‑KYC verification.
Chief Secretary Garg emphasised prioritising farmers’ interests, ensuring the timely lifting of paddy, and strengthening monitoring systems to avoid inconvenience.
She expressed satisfaction with the modernisation of procurement and PDS operations, urging officials to maintain efficiency and transparency.
