Odisha Provides over 4.75 Lakh Quintal of Certified Seeds to Farmers

The Odisha government told the Assembly on Wednesday that the seed replacement rate of paddy in in 2021-22 was 32.92% and the government has given over 4.75 lakh quintal of certified seeds to the farmers.

In response to a question from Amar Prasad Satpathy of the BJD, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Ranendra Prasad Swain stated that the State's estimated need for paddy seeds for the kharif season of 2022–23 is 13,27,760 quintal, and that so far, 4,75,244 quintal of seeds have been given to the farmers.

According to the Minister, the Odisha State Seeds Corporation (OSSC) has received registrations from almost 5,200 farmers in the State for the production and distribution of certified paddy seeds. A few private companies have received contracts from the government to provide high-quality paddy seeds.

The Minister stated that the government has not yet received any reports of seeds delivered to farmers failing to germinate in response to the opposition's claim that seeds provided by commercial agencies are failing to do so.

In another instance, dairy farmers from odisha emptied tons of milk onto the streets close to the Odisha Assembly to show their opposition to the GST's imposition on dairy products  including pre-packed and pre-labelled curd, cheese, lassi, and buttermilk.

Farmers gathered in the Master Canteen Square streets and dumped milk from enormous cans onto the streets while carrying banners calling for the repeal of the GST on dairy goods and other essentials.

Farmers yelled "Modi sarkar down down," "Gabbar Singh tax nehi chalega," and "Grihasthi sarvnaash tax wapas karo" as they requested the immediate repeal of the GST, which is currently 5% on milk and other necessities.

According to sources, the OMFED is likely to shortly announce a rise in the price of milk  products due to the increase of 5% GST on milk and dairy products.

Many others showed up to show support for the cause, drawing attention to the protest from the general public.