The Food and Civil Supply minister has exposed the reality of Double Engine and helplessness of the Odisha Government

BJD Leaders React to Odisha Minister’s Complaint Over FCI Rice Procurement

Bhubaneswar: Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders Sanjay Dasburma and Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak have reacted to Odisha Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra’s complaint that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) is not lifting rice from Odisha while allegedly providing special incentives to other states.
The BJD leaders said the minister’s statement vindicates the party’s allegation that the Centre is neglecting Odisha in matters related to rice procurement and lifting. The statement of Food and Civil Supply Minister Krushna Chandra Patra has exposed the reality of Double Engine and helplessness of the Odisha Government
Dasburma and Nayak said the continued non-lifting of rice by the FCI has created a stalemate in the state’s rice procurement system. They warned that if the issue is not resolved soon, it could create difficulties for the procurement of paddy during the upcoming kharif procurement season.
The BJD leaders urged the Odisha government to take up the matter with the Centre immediately and press for the resumption of FCI rice lifting from the state.
They also said the issue needs to be resolved before the next procurement season begins to ensure that farmers do not face difficulties in disposing of their paddy.
The BJD’s reaction comes against the backdrop of the state government’s concerns over the pace of rice lifting by the FCI and the alleged preferential treatment being extended to other states. The matter is likely to remain a point of political debate between the ruling BJP and the opposition BJD in Odisha.