POKSSS threatens to launch stir over cash crunch

"Farmers have money in their bank accounts. But, they are unable to withdraw the money because of scarcity of cash in banks. Farmers require cash for labour payment, transportation of paddy to market yards and for other works," POKSSS convener Lingaraj told reporters here.

Lingaraj said farmers also require cash for preparation of Rabi crop now.

"We want the government to take emergency measures to deal with the problem of scarcity of cash, otherwise it will lead to an explosive situation," he said.

The farmers' body demanded the paddy procurement policy to be decided at district level.

"Earlier, the quantity of paddy to be collected per acre of land was being decided at district level. But, the decision is being taken in Bhubaneswar for the last two years.

The government is procuring 18 quintals of paddy per acre of land in irrigated areas and 12 quintals in non-irrigated areas.