Bhadrak farmers protest lapses in paddy procurement

Bhadrak: Farmers registered under Panchutikri society of Chandbali block in Bhadrak district today launched a protest alleging irregularities in paddy procurement.

According to reports, 383 farmers had registered under the society through online registration. It is alleged, while the society was stipulated to procure 27,500 quintal paddy, the procurement has been stopped by the society after purchasing only 7,500 quintal paddy from 190 farmers.

The farmers also alleged that the concerned miller and Panchutikri society secretary have been buying paddy from other sources and leaving out the registered farmers.

''We are protesting the irregularities at the society. The harvested paddy crops are lying since months in our yards and getting eaten by cattle. There have been four rounds of procurement, yet many farmers are still left with huge stock of paddy,'' said one of the agitating farmers, Manok Nayak.

Similarly, Subhransu Sahu, a member of Panchutikri Panchayat said, ''We had lodged a complaint with the collector regarding the lapses. Initially, we held discussions with the cooperative society's secretary and other officials. When no action was taken, we approached the district collector. However, we have seen no action in this regard.''