Farmers allege 12 percent 'Katni-Chatni' in paddy procurement in Bhadrak, block road in protest

Allegations of a 12 per cent 'Katni-Chatni' (deduction) in paddy procurement at the Bideipur Service Cooperative Society under Basudevpur block in Bhadrak district sparked strong protests by farmers on Saturday.

The agitating farmers accused rice millers of adopting what they described as anti-farmer and “farmer-killing” policies, alleging that a significant portion of their produce was being deducted during procurement under the guise of Katni-Chatni. They claimed such practices were causing severe financial losses and pushing cultivators into distress.

As a mark of protest, the farmers staged a road blockade by placing paddy sacks on the roadway, bringing vehicular movement to a halt. Several vehicles, including buses and goods carriers, were stranded for hours, causing inconvenience to commuters and transporters.

On being informed, senior revenue and administrative officials rushed to the spot. Basudevpur Tehsildar, Block Development Officer (BDO), and Bhadrak Sadar Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), along with officials from two police stations, reached the protest site and held discussions with the agitating farmers.

During the talks, the farmers reiterated their demands for an immediate halt to alleged Katni-Chatni practices and sought strict action against those responsible. The officials assured the protesters that their grievances would be examined and appropriate steps taken after verification.

Following the assurance and intervention by the administration, efforts were made to restore normalcy in the area. However, the farmers warned that they would intensify their agitation if their demands were not addressed at the earliest.