There seems to be no respite from ‘katni-chhatni’ woes for farmers in paddy procurement at several mandis across the State despite clear instructions by the Odisha government to refrain from the corrupt practice. As per reports, paddy is not being procured in many parts of the State without ‘katni-chhatni’ due to the alleged nexus between the rice mill owners and supply officials.
The practice continues to prevail in several parts of the State leaving farmers in the lurch during the current Rabi procurement season. The ‘katni-chhatni’ process has irked most of the farmers leading to further delay in the procurement process.
Katni-chhatni in Bargarh
In the Bheden area of Bargarh district, which is considered the ‘rice bowl’ of Odisha, millers are allegedly deducting 2-3 kilos per packet from the farmers in the mandis on the pretext of low quality of paddy. Though more than 20 lakh quintals of paddy have been procured so far, thousands of packs of paddy are yet to be procured due to ‘katni-chhatni’ condition set by the millers.
“We are suffering due to ‘katni-chhatni’ in paddy procurement in the mandis of our area. The district administration is not taking any steps on allegations of ‘katni-chhatni’. As a result, paddy procurement is currently moving at a snail’s pace in Bheden,” said Suresh Nikanti, a farmer in Bargarh.
However, the supply officials have turned a blind eye towards the plight of the farmers.
“We will take necessary action if we receive any particular complaint,” said District Supply Officer, Rajkishore Panigrahi.
Katni-chhatni in Koraput
Similar is the case in Koraput. Rabi paddy procurement in the mandis is not up to the mark even after 20 days due to ‘katni- chhatni’. In protest against the development, farmers gheraoed the Jeypore regulated market committee office some days back. They also requested the district Supply Officers to take necessary steps against the illegal activities but in vain.
“The millers are deducting the weight of our paddy. When we are complaining, they are refusing to procure our paddy,” rued Kamsen Nayak, a farmer in Jeypore.
“We request the administration to take proper steps against ‘katni-chhatni’. We also request the Chief Minister to ensure an MSP of Rs 3,100 per quintal. If the government doesn’t keep its promise, the farmers will make alternative arrangements,” said Narendra Pradhan, Secretary of Krushaka Kalyana Mancha, Koraput.
However, Koraput district Supply Officer Pradeep Kumar Panda refuted the allegations.
“We are taking necessary steps as per the instruction of the government to procure paddy from the farmers,” said Panda.
However, questions are being raised as to under whose instruction millers are continuing such corrupt practice? Is it happening due to the nexus between millers and supply officials?
Responding to the allegations, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra issued a warning.
“Nobody should trouble farmers with ‘katni-chhatni’. The concerned officials and millers have been directed in this regard. As per the earlier announcement, farmers will be provided MSP of Rs 3,100 per quintal of paddy from the next Kharif season,” said Patra.