Bhubaneswar, December 14: The Odisha government has deployed 40 enforcement squads, comprising around 120 officers and staff, across border districts to curb the illegal entry of paddy from other states. These teams have been instructed to take immediate action, including seizing vehicles found carrying paddy illegally.
The enforcement drive coincides with ongoing paddy procurement activities in districts such as Bargarh, Sambalpur, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Sonepur, Koraput, Jharsuguda, and Nabarangpur. The government is also conducting extensive awareness campaigns to educate farmers and stakeholders about these measures.
Civil Supply Officers have been directed to act swiftly in case of irregularities, while district administrations have been tasked with reporting incidents without delay. District Collectors have been empowered to deploy additional officers and enforcement teams as required to maintain transparency and ensure lawful procurement.
Farmers registered with the state are currently receiving a minimum support price (MSP) of ₹2,300 per quintal for their paddy, along with ₹800 as input assistance. The strict monitoring measures are aimed at preventing the inflow of outside-state paddy into the mandis, ensuring fair trade during the ongoing kharif procurement season.
