Odisha Pushes for Expedited Rice Lifting by FCI

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Monday called on Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi to accelerate the rice lifting process by the Food Corporation of India (FCI). The request followed a meeting between Singh Deo, BJP MPs from Odisha, and the Union minister in New Delhi.

The gathering centered around addressing the rice procurement targets set for the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25. According to officials, Odisha achieved a record paddy procurement of 92.64 lakh metric tonnes during this period, equivalent to 62.62 lakh metric tonnes of rice— a historical high for the state.

After accounting for the state's consumption during both Kharif and Rabi seasons, a surplus of 12 lakh metric tonnes of rice remains. Slow lifting by FCI is reportedly affecting overall procurement operations. Both Singh Deo and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi have sought intervention from Joshi, who has assured action to resolve the issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)