Pradeep Majhi threatens to launch farmer agitation over paddy procurement irregularities

Malkangiri: Alleging the administration and the State government of irregularities in paddy procurement at several mandis across Malkangiri district, Odisha PCC working president Pradeep Majhi has threatened to launch farmer agitation if the issue is not resolved soon.

It may be noted that after weeks of stagnation in procurement of paddy crops at several mandis, farmers launched a stir against the apathy of the district authorities on February 11. The incident forced the administration to lift the paddy from the mandis.

However, Majhi has alleged that the authorities have given false information on completion of paddy procurement in the district.

Addressing a presser, the Congress leader said, “The district administration has misinformed that over 1. 65 lakh quintal of paddy have been procured from the mandis whereas in reality there is still around 10 percent of stored paddy yet to be procured at 38 mandis across the district.”

Majhi has threatened that if the authorities failed to procure the remaining stock of paddy, farmers would launch a stir very soon.

The former Nabarangpur MP has also criticized the State government over alleged irregularities in supply of farm equipments to farmers in the district.

However, the district administration and the BJD are yet to comment anything on the allegations.