Parliament Question: Distress sale of crops by farmers in Odihsa

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 826 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 06/02/2026 DISTRESS SALE OF CROPS BY FARMERS IN ODIHSA 826. SHRI MANAS RANJAN MANGARAJ:: Will the minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has received complaints regarding distress sale of crops by farmers in Odisha due to lack of proper procurement facilities; (b) the details of such cases, district-wise; (c) whether the Ministry has conducted any inquiry into these reports; and (d) the steps taken to protect farmers from exploitation by middlemen in the State? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR) (a) & (b): No such complaints has been received. As per the information received from Department of Food and Public Distribution, procurement operations in Odisha are undertaken by the State Government under Decentralized Procurement (DCP) system. State Government agencies purchase paddy with prescribed Fair Average Quality (FAQ) specifications at MSP for central pool to ensure that farmers get remunerative price for their produce and do not have to resort to distress sale. Further, to prevent distress sale of paddy, a comprehensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) programme is implemented from the village to the district level. A robust grievance redressal mechanism has been put in place at all levels. In addition, a dedicated toll-free helpline (1967) is operational to provide guidance and facilitate prompt resolution of farmers grievances. Further, Government implements Price Support Scheme (PSS) under PM-AASHA for procurement of FAQ of pulses, oilseeds and copra at MSP on the request of the State Government to provide remunerative price to farmers and prevent farmers resorting to distress sale. Based on the proposal received from Government of Odisha, approval has been given for procurement of 1, 79,450 MT of Tur during Kharif 2025-26 Season. (c): does not arise (d): To protect farmers from exploitation, adequate number of procurement centers are opened as per the convenience of farmers and wide publicity is done by State Government , Central Nodal Agencies and State Agencies for providing information on FAQ quality parameters, procurement dates, procurement centers so that farmers may bring their produce and sale in the Procurement Centers. Further, Handbills/pamphlets are also distributed to farmers for their awareness regarding MSP and Procurement Centers. The payment of MSP is made directly into farmer’s bank account. *****