Paddy token distribution delay mars procurement in Odisha

For the first time in the State’s history, farmers are receiving Rs 2,300 per quintal of paddy, causing a wave of excitement among the agricultural communities across Odisha. However, administrative and technical snags in the distribution of ‘tokens’-permissions that enable farmers to sell their produce - are dampening the enthusiasm, as many farmers face delays.

The Agriculture Department has directed district cooperative officers to inspect and verify over 17,000 farmers categorised as ‘suspected’, an administrative designation yet to be fully clarified publicly. District officials are conducting ground-level checks while the Supply Minister reassured that all the farmers will be issued tokens soon and distribution will be expedited.

In some rural pockets, the tension is palpable. Farmers like Jambu Pahan and Diban Biswal of Kamalapadar village under Khallikote block in Ganjam district have expressed their frustrations over the matter.

Jambu, who cultivates two acres of land, said, “Without a token, I can’t access the market. I have been forced to sell my produce to traders who will visit my farm.”

Meanwhile, Diban managing a nearly one-acre land, confirmed that they are compelled to sell their crops to private traders at reduced rates of Rs 1,500-1,600 per quintal.

Similar stories emerged from Kendrapada district, where Kailash Lenka, a farmer from Alijanga village, lamented, “Despite the mandis opening in the district on January 10, I have received no token or SMS notification yet.”

“As a result, I have had to store some grain at home, unable to bring it to the market. It’s giving me immense pain to sell my produce to the private traders at cheaper rates,” rued Lenka.

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These logistical issues are costly for farmers, as government-controlled procurement offers significantly higher returns. The Cooperation Department acknowledges these complaints, attributing them to discrepancies identified through satellite imagery, thus necessitating further on-site verification across 24 districts.

Now question mark has been raised over the department’s apparent oversight in ensuring systems were in place before commencing procurement. 

In response, Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra has promised swift corrective actions, aiming for prompt token delivery.

“Some incidents have come to our notice that tokens have not been issued to some farmers. The department will take swift and corrective actions to ensure that all the worthy farmers get tokens and participate in the paddy procurement process,” said Patra.