Farmers stage road blockade over delay in paddy procurement

Deogarh: Worried over the long delay in procurement of paddy at Naulipada mandi near Chhatabar under Reamal Police limits of Deogarh distirct, several farmers today hit the streets and staged road blockade on NH-53 by spilling paddy on the road. Road communication between Deogarh and Angul was affected on account of the protest.

According to sources, while 39000 quintals of paddy from farmers of Budido, Malehipada, Kantabahal, Lulong and Naulipada panchayats are lying at Naulipada mandi, till now only 16000 quintals of paddy have been procured. Besides, the owners have announced that the mandi will be closed from tomorrow, added sources.

Protesting the closure of the mandi, farmers have resorted to protest, informed sources.

"If paddy procurement will be stopped then how the farmers will sell their produce. We will continue our protest till our paddy is not procured" said a farmer Santosh Raula.