Paddy buying up 21% in kharif

Paddy procurement in the state in the kharif season of 2014-15 has moved up 21 per cent over the previous year, a top government official said here.

"The chief secretary reviewed the performance of the kharif season. We have procured four million tonne of paddy equivalent to 2.72 million tonne of rice.", said M S Padhee, secretary, food supplies and consumer welfare.

Till May 13, rice millers in the state have already delivered 1.48 million tonne of rice. Rice delivery this time is 60 per cent higher than the last year, said Padhee.

The district collectors have been asked to review procurement at regular intervals and ensure that millers deliver the entire rice by September 30, he added.

For the Rabi season, the state has set a target of procuring 730,000 tonne of rice and this is expected to be finished by June 30.

Odisha produces close to eight million tonne paddy in a year, the fifth largest in the country. While 60 per cent of the total production is processed in the state, the rest is exported to other states.