Nabarangpur bandh over paddy issue

Nabarangpur: District Farmers federation has observed eight-hour bandh in the district over various demands including opening of more mandis for paddy procurements.

The farmers demanded the government to increase the procurement quantity to 18 quintal instead of 12 in non-irrigated lands and 20 quintal instead of 18 in irrigated farm lands. Opening of more mandis and speedy disbursement of money to the farmers are also among their demands.

Vehicular traffic came to a grinding halt due to the bandh in the district. Schools, colleges, government offices and all business establishments have remained closed.

Sources said various problems arise over paddy procurement in Subarnapur. Even though mandis were opened at different places of the district, procurement has not proceeded smoothly.

Subarnapur collector announced in a press meet that the grains will be procured from the farmers with proper price. The procurement drive will on for three months, he added.

The government will collect the paddy from small farmers first followed by others.