Odisha Govt to Relax Crop Quality Rules After Rain Damage

Bhubaneswar: In response to widespread crop damage caused by continuous rainfall in southern Odisha, the state government has announced possible relaxations in Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards for paddy procurement.

Addressing the issue on Thursday, Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra stated that while FAQ standards cannot be compromised, District Collectors have been empowered to decide on relaxations based on local conditions.

“The minimum quality standards will remain, but District Collectors will assess the extent of damage and decide accordingly. Farmers should not leave mandis empty-handed. Crops meeting required standards will be procured, while unsellable produce will be left behind,” Patra said.

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has maintained that substandard grains will not be accepted, raising concerns that rain-damaged paddy could go to waste. However, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari assured that affected farmers will receive compensation for their losses.

“Natural calamities are inevitable, but the Odisha government will stand by the farmers as a protective shield. Compensation for crop loss is guaranteed,” Pujari stated.

The government urged farmers to continue bringing their harvest to mandis, reiterating that fair evaluations will be conducted, and no farmer will face undue hardship.