Irregularities in mandis: Protests erupt across Odisha as paddy farmers continue to suffer

Farmers across the state took to the streets over alleged irregularities in paddy mandis. They complained of prolonged delays in paddy procurement. The sluggish progress in paddy procurement has reportedly broken the backbone of the farmers who are already reeling under severe loss due to the untimely rainfall.

On Saturday, farmers in Subarnapur district hit the streets over the alleged mismanagement in the procurement of their produce and blocked Dunguripali-Rampur main road. They alleged deductions being applied during the procurement process.

According to the protesting farmers, it has been 18 days since thousands of sacks of paddy have been left uncollected. The farmers alleged that millers were reluctant to procure paddy that doesn't meet Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards and insisted on a deduction of 2 kilos per sack, a condition they strongly opposed.

Also Read: Untimely rain wreaks havoc on paddy fields in Kalahandi; adds to farmers’ woes

The escalation in tension led farmers to block Rampur-Dunguripali route, demanding immediate action from the authorities.

“Our produce has been dumped in the mandis for the last 18-20 days. When we called the millers, they started putting conditions and wanted us to cut 2kg/sack to lift our crops. So, we have to resort to protest,” a protester alleged.

Likewise, another farmer said, “While people are enjoying the holiday season, we are forced to sit here in protest in the chilling cold. We are deeply aghast that common people have to suffer due to our protest, but they have left us with no choice. The backbone of farmers has been broken.”

Meanwhile, a 12-hour shutdown, spearheaded by the Congress party, was called in Bhawanipatna in response to the alleged mismanagement and delays at the local mandi. This closure, which began at 06:00 am, has significantly disrupted vehicular traffic and daily activities in the region.

The Congress party has called for both government and private offices to remain closed throughout the duration of the bandh with roads being barricaded.

Farmers and locals have expressed their frustrations over the delays in procuring produce, aggravating the already challenging agricultural conditions.