Ganjam District Prepares for Major Paddy Procurement Drive
The agricultural landscape in Ganjam district is set for significant activity as authorities have announced that paddy procurement will commence on December 23. This crucial decision emerged from the district-level procurement committee meeting held in Chhatrapur on Sunday, setting the stage for what promises to be a substantial agricultural operation.
Presided over by Ganjam collector Keerthi Vasan V, the meeting saw participation from prominent figures including Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, several MLAs from the district, MP (Aska) Anita Subhadarshini, and numerous other officials. The presence of these dignitaries underscores the importance of this procurement process to the region's agricultural economy.
Procurement Targets and Farmer Participation
The government has established an ambitious target for the first phase of procurement, aiming to collect 36.53 quintals of paddy from Ganjam farmers. This initial target represents just the beginning of what is expected to be a comprehensive procurement exercise throughout the season.
Farmer registration numbers reveal substantial participation, with 1.56 lakh farmers officially registered for this year's procurement process. This marks a significant increase compared to last year's figures, where approximately 1.40 lakh farmers contributed to the procurement of 58.80 lakh metric tonnes of paddy.
P K Routray, the chief civil supplies officer (CCSO), indicated that the procurement targets are likely to be expanded in subsequent phases based on initial results and farmer response. This flexible approach aims to accommodate the actual production levels and ensure comprehensive coverage.
Procurement Infrastructure and Quality Standards
The procurement process will leverage an extensive network of collection points and organizations to ensure smooth operations. Authorities have decided to engage 336 primary cooperative agriculture societies (PACS), 109 women self-help groups (SHGs), and one pani panchayat in the paddy procurement activities.
To facilitate convenient access for farmers across the district, a total of 476 mandis will be established. These collection centers will serve as crucial hubs for receiving and processing the farmers' produce, ensuring minimal transportation challenges for agricultural contributors.
This year's procurement introduces specific quality parameters that farmers must meet. The committee has established a 17% moisture limit for paddy acceptance, aiming to maintain quality standards throughout the supply chain. Additionally, in a significant operational change, paddy will be received from farmers exclusively through gunny bags, with jerry bags being explicitly excluded from the process.
Farmer Concerns and Government Response
Despite the organized preparations, concerns have emerged from farming communities regarding crop quality issues. Simanchal Nahak, secretary of the Rushikulya Rait Mahasangh farmers' body, has appealed to the government to procure all paddy crops from farmers without strict quality restrictions.
Nahak highlighted that unseasonal rainfall in October has adversely affected crop quality in several areas, leading to discoloration and elevated moisture content in paddy. He emphasized the need for compassionate consideration, stating, "Government should purchase all paddy from farmers" regardless of these quality challenges caused by weather conditions beyond their control.
As the December 23 start date approaches, all stakeholders are preparing for what promises to be one of the most significant agricultural procurement exercises in the region this season. The success of this initiative will have substantial implications for the economic wellbeing of Ganjam's farming community and the district's overall agricultural output.
