Odisha's Ambitious Plan: 38 Model Mandis to Transform Agricultural Marketing

Major Agricultural Initiative in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced plans to establish 38 model agricultural marketing yards, known as mandis, across 30 districts over the next two years, with an investment of ₹300 crore, according to official sources.

During a Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, this initiative was approved alongside six other proposals.

These model mandis aim to create efficient platforms for farmers, traders, and other stakeholders by consolidating essential marketing functions under one roof, featuring enhanced infrastructure and digital systems, as stated by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja.

The first phase will see the construction of 14 large mandis, 17 medium-sized ones, and seven smaller mandis during the financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27, with an estimated budget of ₹300 crore.

Of this amount, ₹150 crore will be sourced from Regulated Market Committees (RMCs), while the remainder will be allocated from the state plan scheme, Ahuja noted.

The Cooperation Department has already earmarked ₹50 crore for this initiative in the current financial year.

In the subsequent phase, an additional 62 mandis will be developed as model mandis, with the identification process already underway.

These mandis will feature modern storage facilities, elevated concrete drying platforms, covered sheds, quality testing kiosks, cooling chambers, rest areas for farmers, clean toilets, dedicated spaces for women farmers, eateries, vending zones, banking services, parking, electronic weighbridges, retail outlets for the farming community, and waste disposal systems.

Additionally, the Cabinet has sanctioned a ₹382.40 crore tender for providing 24/7 water supply to households in Sambalpur, Burla, and Hirakud towns in western Odisha.

This budget covers the entire project construction and its operation and maintenance for five years, with work expected to commence in September and completion targeted for August 2027.

The government has also approved a ₹350 crore project for retrofitting LED public street lights across all 110 urban local bodies in Odisha.

Furthermore, plans are in place to establish a state-of-the-art Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for aircraft at Biju Patnaik International Airport, with a special incentive package approved to support its establishment.

This facility will mark the first significant MRO development in eastern India, enhancing civil aviation infrastructure in Odisha.

Lastly, the state government will create a separate Directorate of Museums to improve the management and coordination of state museums, and the Cabinet has also approved new recruitment rules for faculty positions in government nursing colleges and ANM training centers.