Farmers stage protest in Ganjam over paddy procurement irregularities

Farmers staged a protest at Sanakhemundi in Ganjam district on Thursday over alleged irregularities in paddy procurement and the delay in the opening of mandis, causing disruption in the area.  The agitation was triggered by complaints that 10 to 15 kg of paddy is being deducted per quintal during procurement, leading to losses for cultivators.

The protesters alleged that several mandis have not been opened on time, forcing farmers to wait for days to sell their produce. Raising concerns over unfair deductions and procurement delays, the farmers demanded that paddy be purchased at the government-fixed minimum support price without any cuts.

The protest was organised by the Sanakhemundi Unnayan Kriyanushthan Committee, which led a demonstration in front of the Sanakhemundi Tahasil office. The agitators placed a nine-point charter of demands before the administration, seeking immediate resolution of issues related to paddy procurement and compensation for crop losses suffered by farmers.

The protesters warned that the agitation would be intensified if their demands were not addressed at the earliest. 

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“We have submitted a memorandum highlighting the plight of the farmers. Farmers are being harassed by millers through ‘katni-chatni’. Unfortunately, paddy procurement is yet to begin in the Sanakhemundi block, even though it has started in other areas. If this continues, we will intensify our protest,” said a protester.