BJP's Samal Defends Paddy Procurement, Accuses Opposition of Playing Politics
State BJP president Manmohan Samal on Thursday called on the opposition to refrain from "playing politics" over paddy procurement, asserting that the process is transparent and farmers are receiving fair prices under the BJP government.
Price Increase and Production Ranking Highlighted
Addressing a news conference in Bhubaneswar, Samal provided key data to support his claims. He stated that the price for paddy has increased significantly, from Rs 1,310 per quintal in 2014 to Rs 3,100 per quintal now. Additionally, he noted that Odisha has moved up in rice production ranking from 19th to 2nd position over the years, showcasing agricultural progress.
Procurement Figures Show Substantial Growth
Samal detailed the procurement statistics, emphasizing the scale of operations under the current administration. He said the state has procured about 92 lakh metric tonnes of rice from 16.6 lakh farmers in the 2024-25 period, combining both kharif and rabi seasons. This procurement amounts to approximately Rs 27,000 crore.
In comparison, he highlighted that about 58 lakh metric tonnes of rice, worth Rs 13,000 crore, was procured in 2023-24. Based on these figures, Samal claimed that rice procurement has "nearly doubled" after the BJP came to power in Odisha.
Monitoring and Continuation of Procurement
Samal assured that procurement efforts are robust and ongoing. He mentioned that procurement has crossed 90-95% in most districts and will continue as long as farmers bring their stocks to the markets. To ensure smooth operations, he added that senior BJP leaders, including the chief minister, ministers, and MLAs, are actively monitoring procurement at mandis.
Accusations Against Opposition Parties
The BJP leader did not hold back in his criticism of opposition parties. He accused the BJD and Congress of misleading the public on the issue of paddy procurement. Samal asserted that the government is prepared to address all concerns and questions in the assembly, indicating a willingness to engage in transparent dialogue.
Overall, Samal's statements aim to reinforce the BJP's commitment to farmer welfare and agricultural development in Odisha, while challenging the opposition's narrative on procurement practices.
