New Delhi/ Bhubaneswar- Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo led a high-powered delegation to New Delhi to press the Centre for urgent intervention in the evacuation of surplus rice during the ongoing Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25. The team met Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, raising concerns over the slow pace of rice lifting by the Food Corporation of India (FCI), which is disrupting the state’s procurement cycle.
Odisha has created history by procuring 92.64 lakh metric tonnes of paddy this season, which converts to around 62.62 lakh metric tonnes of rice—the highest ever recorded in the state. After fulfilling internal requirements for both Kharif and Rabi seasons, the state is left with a surplus of approximately 12 lakh metric tonnes of rice. However, delays in lifting this surplus by the FCI have created logistical challenges, risking a backlog that could affect farmers and the larger supply chain.
Singh Deo, along with several Members of Parliament from Odisha, brought this matter to the Union Minister’s attention, stressing the immediate need for clearance of surplus stocks. Their concern aligns with a letter earlier sent by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who also urged quick action to avoid disruptions in procurement and ensure storage availability for future arrivals.
Among those who accompanied the Deputy Chief Minister were MPs Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo, Malvika Devi, Pratap Sarangi, Bhartuhari Mahtab, Pradeep Purohit, Sukanta Panigrahi, Anita Subhadarshini, Ananta Charan Nayak, Bhibhu Prasad Tarai, and Rabindra Narayan Behara. Union Secretary Sanjiv Chopra was also present during the meeting, adding administrative weight to the discussion.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi assured the Odisha delegation that their concerns were being taken seriously and promised timely resolution. His assurance brings optimism for Odisha’s farmers, whose livelihoods depend on uninterrupted procurement and efficient stock movement.
As Odisha celebrates an unprecedented procurement season, swift action from the Centre is crucial to maintain this momentum. Clearing the surplus rice promptly will not only benefit farmers but also strengthen Odisha’s growing role in India’s food security framework.
