Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra held a meeting with MLAs from western Odisha on Monday to discuss the registration process for paddy procurement for the Kharif season 2026-27.
The meeting was held at the minister’s residential office in Bhubaneswar and was attended by legislators from Sambalpur, Bargarh and Balangir districts. Discussions focused on ensuring that all eligible farmers can register easily and participate in the government’s paddy procurement process.
During the meeting, MLAs raised concerns and discussed doubts among farmers regarding registration for selling paddy during the upcoming Kharif season. A key issue was the Agristack registration process and whether it would be mandatory for farmers.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Minister Krushna Chandra Patra clarified that Agristack registration is not mandatory for farmers to participate in the paddy procurement process. He assured that no eligible farmer would be excluded from registration because of the requirement.
The minister said all eligible farmers would be registered and provided tokens for paddy procurement. He added that the government is committed to protecting the interests of farmers and ensuring that the procurement process remains accessible.
The minister also addressed the registration process for sharecroppers. He said sharecroppers are required to obtain the consent of the landowner for registration. However, landowners living away from their villages or districts will be able to provide their consent through a dedicated mobile application.
Minister Patra urged farmers to complete the registration process within the stipulated deadline. According to the minister, farmers can register for the Kharif 2026-27 paddy procurement process until August 31, 2026.
The government has reiterated its focus on ensuring that every eligible farmer gets an opportunity to participate in the procurement process without facing unnecessary difficulties.