Odisha Congress holds massive farmers’ rally over paddy procurement issues in Bargarh

The Odisha Congress organised a massive farmers’ rally in Bargarh on Wednesday, highlighting persistent problems faced by cultivators in selling their Kharif paddy. Farmers alleged that token restrictions, delays in paddy lifting and arbitrary deductions have prevented many from completing the sale of their produce.

With the Rabi cultivation season already underway, farmers expressed concern that the validity period of tokens issued for Kharif paddy sales has expired. This has added to their difficulties, leaving several farmers unable to sell their produce on time.

Odisha Congress Stages Protest

Protesting against these issues, Odisha Congress leaders and farmers held a demonstration in the district, demanding immediate intervention from the authorities to address procurement-related grievances.

“The voice of farmers in Bargarh has not reached the government. That is why I came here. When a minister scolds farmers, such an insult cannot be tolerated. For this reason, I have come to stand with them. The government must ensure smooth procurement of paddy from farmers. The Collector has given an assurance in this regard,” said Bhakta Das, PCC President. Odisha Congress.

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Memorandum Submitted to Collector

A memorandum was submitted to the Bargarh District Collector, demanding payment of transportation costs to farmers and issuance of tokens to all eligible cultivators.

“On behalf of the Odisha Congress, a letter has been submitted regarding the ongoing paddy procurement process during the current Kharif season and the steps needed to expedite it. In Bargarh district, paddy lifting is underway at all mandis. We have assured farmers that their paddy will be procured once they receive tokens,” said Bargarh District Collector Aditya Goyal.

The rally underscored growing farmer discontent in Bargarh, with Odisha Congress urging swift administrative action to ensure fair paddy procurement and timely relief for farmers struggling amid the transition from Kharif to Rabi farming seasons.