Farmers protest paddy procurement delay in Odisha’s Sonepur

Farmers in Odisha’s Sonepur district on Sunday staged a road blockade on the Binika–Barpali main road to protest delays in paddy procurement and problems related to the issuance of procurement tokens.

Agitation at Sarasamal Mandi

The protest was held in front of the Sarasamal mandi under Dunguripali block, resulting in disruption of traffic movement on the busy stretch for several hours.

Unsold Paddy Piles Up

According to the agitating farmers, thousands of quintals of paddy have been lying unsold at the Sarasamal mandi for the past 13 days due to the slow pace of procurement. They alleged that although farmers have brought their produce to the mandi, lifting has not commenced as many cultivators are yet to be issued procurement tokens.

Protest Intensifies for Third Day

Mounting anger over the delay led farmers to intensify their agitation for the third consecutive day. Protesters blocked the road by placing sacks of paddy on the highway, bringing vehicular movement to a complete standstill. Several commuters were stranded, while police faced difficulties in managing the situation.

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Farmers Cite Financial Distress

Farmers said the prolonged delay has pushed them into severe financial distress, as they are unable to sell their produce while continuing to incur expenses. They warned that the agitation would continue until authorities ensured the immediate issuance of tokens and expedited the lifting of paddy from the mandi.