Farmers in Odisha protest over disruptions in paddy procurement process

After western Odisha, farmers continue to grapple with issues like ‘katni chhatni’ and Fair Average Quality (FAQ) pertaining to the paddy procurement process in various mandis across coastal and southern parts of the State as well.

Farmers in the eastern part of Odisha have taken to the streets in protest against the government’s move to relocate paddy procurement centres. The protests have resulted in significant disruptions in the procurement process across various regions.

Farmers symbolically expressed their anger towards the government’s decision by burning paddy on roads near the Adaspur-Sithalo outpost square in the Cuttack district. The demonstration highlighted the growing discontent over the relocation of local mandis or marketplaces to new sites, which farmers argue will exacerbate their challenges.

Delays in paddy procurement due to coordination issues with millers have left many farmers in a state of despair. As a result, a significant number of farmers have found themselves with harvested paddy and limited avenues to sell it.

“It has been ordered to set up a mandi in Kasarda. However, the authorities cancelled it last evening causing severe inconvenience to the farmers. Farmers are the lifeline of the country. If the administration plays with the farmers, we will give a befitting reply,” said Trilochan Swain, a farmer from Niali.

In response to the protests, district officials have assured that procurement centres will not be moved from their original locations.

“There is a bit of confusion in the internal departmental order about the setting up of the mandi. The Collector has now instructed us that the mandi will be inaugurated in the same place. If required another additional mandi will be inaugurated at another place,” said Niali Tehsildar Lilan Prasad Sahu.

Must Read: ‘katni-chhatni’ woes continue in Odisha mandis

The issue is not confined to one region only. It has now affected the southern, northern, and coastal districts of Odisha. Though mandis have been opened at Arakhpur in Ganjam district from January 3, paddy is yet to be procured due to the absence of millers. The district administration has issued show-cause notices to as many as 11 millers in this regard on Thursday.

“We are facing lots of problems as our paddy has not been procured for the last 20-25 days,” rued Kuntala Jena, a farmer from Arakhpur.

“There will be no issues in the paddy procurement if proper guidelines are in place. Otherwise, more than 360 millers in Ganjam will incur a huge loss,” said Ganjam District Millers’ Association treasurer P Gopal.

In Bhadrak, a meeting intended to address farmers’ concerns was disrupted by the growing tensions, prompting authorities to deploy security forces to maintain order.

Meanwhile, Odisha Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta has acknowledged the confusion, citing ongoing rain and millers’ reluctance as key factors contributing to the procurement delays.

“Due to the unseasonal rain, the quality of the paddy has been affected and as a result, the millers are not willing to procure paddy. Efforts are being made to mediate between the farmers and millers to ensure smoother procurement processes,” said Bal Samanta.