MLAs raise farmers' issue in House

Bhubaneswar: Cutting across party lines, the members in the State Assembly today expressed concern over various problems in procuring paddy from the farmers and for delaying the payment of Rs 100 as bonus per quintal to the cultivators.

Responding to Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh who pointed out that the problem is acute in Kalahandi, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Pratap Deb said a vigilance probe has been ordered against the contractors who are obstructing the smooth procurement drive in the backward district.

On the allegation of the legislators that millers and the district administration are showing no interest in procurement of the grain, the minister informed the House that as many as 1988 mandis were opened in the State and the Government has procured 21.95 lakh MT paddy by January 31.

On the issue of farmers’ bonus payments, Deb held various banks responsible for their delaying policies. However, a report will be prepared and the farmers will be paid the bonus amount on time after Kharif season, he said.