Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra of Odisha warned strict action against PACS staff procuring paddy below the government-fixed minimum support price, following complaints of collusion with traders, reports the New Indian Express.
Visiting a procurement center in Jagatsinghpur, he directed improved facilities for farmers, like rest sheds and water, across 115 local centers.
Emphasizing fair practices, Patra cautioned against substandard operations and stressed quality gunny bags. The district aims to procure 13.93 metric tonnes of paddy, with staggered start dates for different blocks.