Bhubaneswar: In a good initiative, the Gajapati district administration has set up free canteens near paddy procurement centers to provide lunch to farmers.
This is for first time in Odisha that free canteens have been opened near paddy procurement centers to provide lunch to those who bring their produce from distant villages.
Four canteens have been opened at Paralakhemundi, Kashinagar, Upalada, and Garabandh in the district.
The canteens are run by the Paralakhemundi Regulated Market Committee and served by local women self help groups (WSHGs), informed Gajapati Collector Lingraj Panda.
The WSHGs are given Rs 60 per meal. At present four WSHGs have been given the responsibility and discussions are on with others for preparing meals in some other areas.
There are 66 mandis in Gajapati district to procure paddy from 14,320 farmers who have registered willingly to supply their products. As many as 21 WSHGs have also been engaged in the paddy procurement activity, according to the district administration.