Bhubaneswar- In a decisive move to modernize the agricultural marketing ecosystem, the Odisha government has announced plans to set up model mandis in each of the state’s 30 districts by 2026. Co-Operation Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta shared the vision on Friday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to strengthening rural infrastructure and empowering farmers.
Acknowledging the diverse geographic spread and needs of the districts, the Minister said that larger districts may have two mandis, raising the total number to 38. These upgraded mandis will feature essential facilities like clean drinking water, public toilets, electricity, dedicated rest areas, and parking zones. To encourage local enterprise, food stalls and outlets will be managed by women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs), creating economic opportunities at the grassroots level.
Earlier in the day, Minister Samanta submitted the detailed layout and design of the proposed model mandi to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during a high-level review meeting.
The initiative is part of the BJP-led government’s wider rural development strategy, which includes building cold storage units in every sub-division and revamping the existing mandi network. Since coming to power in 2024, the Majhi administration has made rural infrastructure a top priority, aiming to build a more efficient supply chain that benefits both farmers and consumers.
By the end of 2026, Odisha’s rural landscape is expected to witness a significant transformation, with modernized marketplaces becoming the backbone of the agricultural economy.
