TV
Crippled with crop loss, loan burdens, and family woes, the problems of farmers in Odisha seem too far from being over as they continue to suffer in silence. The alleged irregularities in paddy mandis, arbitrary practices by mill owners, and crop harvesting policies have only added to their woes.
Farmers across the state are increasingly voicing discontent over the challenges faced by them on a daily basis. Despite repeated protests against procurement centers, mill administration, and crop harvesting policies, their pleas often allegedly fall on deaf ears. This has led to significant discontent amongst farmers.
Here's a brief look into the various problems that have broken the backbone of farmers in Odisha:
Lack of Protective Measures:
Before delivering their harvest to the mandis, farmers do not have adequate measures to safeguard their paddy. The grains remain exposed to adverse weather conditions, including drought, rain, and cold, which hampers the quality and quantity of their crops.
This is especially evident along roadsides in districts like Balasore, notably in Jaleswar's Ikida and Bhogarai blocks, where the absence of storage facilities further complicates matters.
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Insufficient Storage Facilities:
Almost every block in Odisha is plagued with insufficient storage facilities and service societies. Despite numerous complaints to the administration, substantial solutions remain elusive. This has led to growing dissatisfaction among farmers, with increased calls for urgent intervention by authorities to address these issues.
Inefficiencies in Procurement Systems:
The plight of farmers in the Gajapati district, particularly in Paralakhemundi and Jaleswar, is illustrative of the broader problems. Here, inefficiencies in procurement systems have significantly impacted agricultural communities, adding to their burdens and intensifying their discontent.
Allegations have surfaced about pressure from millers who are said to have disproportionate control over purchase processes and grain grading.
Farmers are grappling with significant challenges as their paddy crops remain unsold in mandis, a predicament largely attributed to the erratic purchasing practices of mill owners. This growing discontent has prompted farmers to express their frustrations through protests, notably in the Gajapati district.
Protests and Grievances:
The inability to sell harvested paddy has pushed farmers in various regions to stage protests. Many farmers are taking to the streets or gathering outside mandis, highlighting their plight to the authorities. Some have encircled government officials, voicing outrage over repeated inspections and stringent quality checks imposed by mill owners. These actions have led to deductions and exacerbated the financial woes of farmers.
Calls for Action:
Despite numerous complaints and calls for government intervention, the issues persist unresolved, leaving farmers increasingly frustrated. Co-operative societies, meant to support these farmers, have been criticised for their lacklustre response to these challenges. Despite repeated petitions, farmers allege administrative apathy towards their issues.
