India, Jan. 3 -- As many as 2,71,318 farmers have so far sold their paddy at the procurement centres (Mandi) in 18 districts of Odisha, said the state government in a statement today.

Out of these farmers, altogether 1,85,820 have received the Minimum Support Price (MSP) as well as input assistance. So far, an amount of Rs 2,247.52 crore towards Minimum Support Price (MSP) and Rs 693.51crore towards input assistance have been disbursed among the farmers, said the state government.

For the first time, the state government has implemented Aadhaar-based payments to ensure that only genuine farmers registered on the P-PAS (Paddy Procurement Automation System) Portal receive payment directly into their bank accounts.

Farmers were told to up...