Bhubaneswar, Odisha : Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced an extension to the ongoing farmer registration process for the Kharif paddy procurement season 2025. The decision, taken during a high-level review meeting, is aimed at ensuring that no eligible farmer is left out of the government’s procurement network.
The registration drive, which began on July 19, was initially set to close on August 20. However, following feedback from farmers’ bodies and district officials, the Chief Minister directed the Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Department to extend the deadline.
“Our government is committed to safeguarding the interests of every farmer. No one should be deprived of the opportunity to sell their produce at Minimum Support Price due to procedural hurdles,” the CM affirmed.
Interestingly, this year’s registration commenced four days later than last year — yet the response has been stronger. In 2024, the process began on July 15; this year, despite starting on July 19, more than 11.5 lakh farmers have already enrolled.
Officials attribute this surge to improved outreach, simplified procedures, and better coordination between local administrations and cooperative societies.
In a farmer-friendly move, the government has introduced a Self-Declaration Form option. This will allow cultivators to register without having to submit multiple supporting documents immediately, thereby reducing red tape and saving time.
Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, addressing the media at his official residence, said:
“We have listened to the farmers. The Self-Declaration facility will make registration faster and more inclusive, particularly for small and marginal farmers in remote areas.”
The Minister was joined by Bhatli MLA Irasis Acharya, Bijepur MLA Sanat Kumar Gartia, Attabira MLA Nihar Ranjan Mahananda, and Bargarh MLA Ashwini Shadangy, all of whom expressed support for the initiative.
The Kharif paddy procurement process is critical to ensuring that farmers receive the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their produce, shielding them from distress sales and market volatility. With the extended registration period and easier procedures, the state government hopes to surpass last year’s record enrollment and procurement volumes.
The extended window is expected to especially benefit late sowing farmers, those affected by erratic monsoons, and cultivators in remote tribal areas. District administrations have been instructed to ramp up awareness campaigns through gram panchayats, Krushak Sampark Kendras, and community radio.
With farmer welfare at the heart of the state’s agenda, this move signals a stronger push towards inclusive agricultural growth and sustainable rural incomes.
