The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha is collecting Rs 1000 crore a year from paddy procurement, alleged Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Manoj Mahapatra on Tuesday.
While addressing a press conference, Mahapatra alleged, “A big syndicate led by the BJD is working during the paddy procurement. At the behest of the departmental Minister, farmers are being exploited by millers. The millers are deducting five to six kilograms in the name of ‘katni-chhatni’.”
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“The Supreme Court has directed that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) will procure paddy. Here in Odisha, instead of the FCI, why the millers are procuring? The financial condition of farmers is hardly improving in the state. The BJD is inauspicious for them. In the 24 years of BJD rule, the per capita income of farmers has increased only by Rs 27,” Mahapatra stated.
Drawing comparisons with farmers of neighbouring states, he said, “In the neighbouring states, the Minimum Support Price (MSP) per quintal is over Rs 3000. But here in Odisha, it is Rs 2139. The BJD on its foundation day should clarify what they have done for the farmers."
"Along with the token problem, there is no required infrastructure. Harvested paddy sacks are lying under the open sky. Farmers are resorting to distress sale because they are not getting tokens on time," alleged Amiya Patnaik, chairman of Odisha Kissan Congress.
While responding to the allegations, Cooperation Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak clarified, "I have not received any complaints regarding paddy procurement. The procurement is going on smoothly on the dates fixed earlier at the district-level committees.”