Bhubaneswar, Jan. 7 -- The deadlock at paddy procurement mandis across the state was resolved, and procurement operations have returned to normal, Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra informed on Wednesday. Paddy procurement has now officially begun in 19 districts following discussions between the Odisha government and the rice millers' association.

According to the minister, the government agreed to several demands raised by the millers, after which formal guidelines were issued to ensure the smooth continuation of procurement activities. A crucial meeting with representatives of the millers' association was held on Tuesday, paving the way for the resolution of the impasse that had disrupted paddy lifting in recent days.

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