Malkangiri/Bhadrak: Farmers of Malkangiri and Bhadrak have been crying foul as paddy has remained unsold in various mandis of the districts. Reports say, in 62 mandis across Odisha, 3,46,264 bags of paddy are lying unsold.
Even after 2 months since the beginning of procurement process in Malkangiri, multiple gunny bags filled with paddy are lying unsold in various mandis. Despite urging the local administration several times, farmers have alleged that the issue is yet to be resolved. Responding to the allegation, administrative officials have assured that a solution will be found soon after discussing with the millers.
"We are making all arrangements to ensure that the paddy lying in some mandis is procured soon," sub-collector of Malkangiri Rameswar Pradhan said.
In Bhadrak, farmers have written a letter to the government urging to include 10 millers from outside the State. Paddy procurement process in the district is being done through 106 societies. Apart from 26 millers in the district, 6 millers from Jajpur , Khurda and Sambalpur districts have been included.
Similarly in Basudevpur, many registered farmers have alleged that they have not been able to sell their paddy surplus. There are 22 cooperative samitis through which 12, 642 farmers were registered. While the target was to procure 701667 quintals of paddy, only 204645 quintals have been procured so far leaving farmers in lurch.
"The paddy procurement process has gained momentum and soon the problem will be sorted," an official Kedar Ghosh said.