Odisha Seeks Early Evacuation of 7.6 Lakh MT Rice, Pushes for Pending Subsidy Release
State urges Centre to clear over Rs 8,178 crore dues and expedite FCI-led rice lifting ahead of next procurement cycle
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has urged the Centre to expedite the evacuation of 7.60 lakh metric tons of rice currently stored in the state, emphasising the need for timely clearance to ensure smooth operations during the upcoming paddy procurement season. The request was made during a recent meeting between Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra and Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Prahallad Joshi in New Delhi.
According to officials, the rice—procured under the decentralised procurement system—is required to be lifted by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) within the timeframe fixed by the Union government. With the next procurement cycle approaching, the state has stressed the urgency of freeing storage space to prevent logistical bottlenecks and avoid distress among farmers.
During the meeting, Minister Patra strongly pressed for the release of pending paddy subsidy claims amounting to Rs 8,178.19 crore. These dues relate to procurement operations carried out between the 2020–21 and 2022–23 financial years. Patra highlighted that delays in subsidy settlement have placed significant financial pressure on state agencies involved in procurement, affecting operational efficiency and fund flow.
Patra requested the Union Minister to prioritise clearing these major outstanding subsidies at the earliest, noting that timely payment is crucial for maintaining the viability of procurement agencies and ensuring smooth payments to farmers. He further urged the Centre to instruct FCI to fast-track the evacuation of rice from various state godowns so that procurement agencies can begin preparations for the kharif marketing season without storage constraints.
In addition to seeking faster subsidy disbursal and rice lifting, the Odisha government also requested an increase in the state’s rice procurement target for the coming kharif season. Patra argued that given the rising production levels and the state’s strong procurement network, Odisha is capable of handling a higher procurement volume, which would support more farmers and stabilise the rural economy.
Union Minister Joshi is said to have assured the Odisha delegation of full cooperation from the Centre. He emphasised that the Union government is committed to resolving operational issues and supporting states in strengthening food procurement and distribution mechanisms.
Senior officials, including Odisha’s Principal Secretary of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department Sanjay Kumar Singh, accompanied Minister Patra during the meeting. They provided detailed presentations on the current stock position, procurement targets, and financial requirements. The officials also highlighted the need for close coordination between state agencies and FCI to ensure the timely movement of food grains.
The state government maintains that with a smooth evacuation process and timely release of subsidies, Odisha will be better positioned to execute the upcoming procurement season efficiently. This will not only ensure uninterrupted operations but also help protect farmers’ interests, particularly in districts where paddy arrival is expected to be high.
The Odisha government continues to play a key role in the national food procurement system and has consistently exceeded procurement benchmarks set by the Centre. As preparations begin for the next agricultural cycle, timely action from the Union government will be crucial in maintaining this momentum and supporting the state’s food security mechanisms.
