Bhubaneswar, Jan. 30 -- The Balasore district administration has foiled an alleged attempt to illegally transport paddy into Odisha from West Bengal, seizing a large consignment near the state border. Officials said 1,800 bags of paddy were confiscated during a raid conducted by the Supply Department near the Laxmannath toll gate on Thursday.

The seizure comes amid concerns that Odisha's higher minimum support price (MSP) for paddy is encouraging cross-border diversion during the procurement season.

Odisha is currently procuring paddy atRs 3,100 per quintal. Officials said the higher procurement price has reportedly drawn the attention of middlemen from neighbouring states, particularly West Bengal, who are allegedly attempting to bring...