Paddy procurement hit in Sambalpur amid farmers ‘katni chatni’ allegations

Though the Odisha government has come up with a plethora of measures for smooth paddy procurement across the State, the farmers in Sambalpur have alleged that their produce could not be procured despite meeting the FAQ standards.

According to sources, the farmers alleged that the paddy could not be procured at Chanurapur mandi. Expressing displeasure over the matter, Umakanta, a farmer said, “We brought our produce to the mandi on November 22. I have not seen the machine before which is being used to check FAQ of the paddy.”

Umesh Prasad, another farmer alleged, “I have token for November 22. Initially, I was told that paddy would be procured after FAQ. But then I was told that there will be ‘Katni Chatni’ which was there during the previous BJD government.”

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On being informed about the incident, officials from the Supplies department and the RMC reached the Mandi and held discussions with the farmers.

“Grain analyzer machine is being used for the first time to check the quality of the paddy. This machine helps identify organic and inorganic foreign material, damage, discolour, and immature paddy during the procurement,” said RMC official.

Refuting ‘katni chatni’ allegation, a mill owner said, “There is nothing such cases. We will do whatever the farmers and the administration tell us. We will accept the grain analyzer test report.”

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Paddy procurement began on November 20 across the state. Earlier, Civil Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra had declared that ‘katni chatni’ will be entirely scrapped. Actions will be taken against those found engaged in such practices, he had warned.