Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Mohan Majhi will launch the paddy input subsidy scheme at Sohela in Bargarh district on Sunday. The scheme will provide farmers with an additional Rs 800 per quintal, raising the total procurement price to Rs 3,100 per quintal.
"Our govt is committed to doubling farmers' income and ensuring their prosperity. We're addressing issues that remained unresolved for decades," Majhi told reporters ahead of the launch.
The total procurement price includes Rs 2,300 from the central govt and Rs 800 as state input assistance. "Mohan Majhi-led govt has fulfilled the promise it made to farmers," said BJP MLA Irasis Acharya, while reviewing preparations for the CM's visit.
The launch comes at a crucial time, as farmers began selling their paddy at the minimum support price from Nov 20. Those who already sold paddy will get the additional Rs 800 per quintal credited to their bank accounts. Others who sell now will get the subsidy credited within 48 hours, govt officials said.
The choice of Sohela is symbolic, as it was there that former CM Naveen Patnaik made the promise of Rs 100 per quintal subsidy for paddy in 2018, which remained unfulfilled.
The scheme fulfils a key BJP election promise. The Majhi govt, in its first cabinet meeting after taking oath in June, approved the policy framework for implementation.
"We've streamlined the procurement process to ensure payments within 48 hours of purchase. This transparent system has effectively eliminated distress sales," said a senior agriculture department official.
The new "double engine govt" has already distributed Rs 2,000 to over 46 lakh farmers under the CM Kisan scheme's first instalment, with the second payment scheduled shortly.