Anger grows in Koraput as kharif paddy procurement remains stalled

Farmers in the Koraput district are facing serious difficulties at kharif mandis as paddy procurement has failed to begin even ten days after their official inauguration, triggering widespread anger and frustration among cultivators.

Large quantities of harvested paddy have already been brought to the mandis, which were formally inaugurated on November 11. However, not a single kilogram of paddy has been procured so far. While procurement agencies are present at the mandis, the absence of rice millers has brought the buying process to a complete standstill, leaving farmers stranded with their produce.

The delay has raised concerns over potential losses, as paddy stocks remain exposed to adverse weather conditions and the risk of spoilage. Earlier, a district-level meeting on paddy procurement was held on November 24, but officials reportedly failed to finalise agreements with millers for lifting the paddy.

Expressing concern over the situation, Krushak Kalyan Manch editor Narendra Pradhan said the departments responsible for finalising miller agreements should have completed the process well in advance.
“The miller agreements should have been prepared at least two months ago. Unfortunately, such lapses continue to affect farmers, leading to repeated disappointment,” he said.

Angered by the delay, farmers staged a protest and gheraoed the office of the District Civil Supplies Officer, demanding immediate action. They alleged that despite repeated assurances, no concrete steps have been taken to start procurement.

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Responding to the allegations, Jeypore District Civil Supplies Officer Manas Ranjan Mahapatra said there was no delay in the procurement process.