Odisha doubts Centre's paddy FAQ relaxation norms

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has raised doubts on the Centre's decision to relax fair average quality (FAQ) for paddy. At a time when procurement of more than 70% of kharif crops is over, the State has questioned the efficacy of the move.

Food Supplies minister Surya Narayan Patro said the State has not been informed about the relaxation of paddy FAQ norms.

"The State government has neither received any letter nor government notification. The decision might be a political gimmick and confuse people" he said.

On the other hand, the BJP has declined the charges with state party vice president Samir Mohanty saying, "It is sheer inefficiency of the Odisha government as the minister (Surya Patro) does not know about the decision."

Meanwhile, famers in Nabarangpur and Balasore alleged millers have cut down three to four kg per quintal of paddy citing poor quality during procurement.

Bhubaneswar Majhi, farmer, Umerkote, said, "As we have already sold out the paddy, relaxation of norms will only help millers and middlemen."

Shani, another farmer of Sadampur village in Balasore, said, "The Centre's decision is only to hoodwink farmers."