No tokens, no procurement! Paddy piles up in Odisha mandi, farmers up in arms

Tension prevailed in Subarnapur district on Friday as angry farmers blocked the Sonepur–Binika–Barpali main road protesting against alleged irregularities in paddy procurement and non-issuance of tokens. 

The agitation was triggered by the prolonged delay in lifting paddy from the Sarasmal mandi under Dunguripali block, causing severe hardship to cultivators.

According to sources, thousands of quintals of paddy have been lying at the Sarasmal mandi for the last 11 days, but procurement agencies are yet to lift the stock. Farmers alleged that despite bringing their produce to the mandi well in advance, they have neither received procurement tokens nor any clear information about when their paddy would be purchased.

Also Read: Farmers Stage Symbolic Protest Over Paddy Procurement Issues in Sambalpur

This has forced many cultivators into distress, with fears of crop damage and financial loss increasing by the day.

Frustrated by the inaction of the authorities, farmers took to the streets and staged a road blockade by placing sacks of paddy on the highway. The protest led to a complete halt of vehicular movement on the busy Sonepur–Binika–Barpali route, causing inconvenience to commuters and transporters.

The agitating farmers demanded immediate lifting of paddy, issuance of tokens, and intervention by district authorities to resolve the crisis. They warned that the agitation would be intensified if their demands were not met at the earliest. 

Meanwhile, officials are reportedly holding discussions to restore normalcy and address the farmers’ grievances.