Paddy procurement begins in western Odisha; Bargarh farmers protest token delays

The procurement of Kharif paddy for the current season is scheduled to start on Friday in Sambalpur and Bargarh districts, marking the formal start of paddy purchase operations in western Odisha. 

After days of confusion and protests over token delays, the situation in Sambalpur has eased slightly as 49,333 farmers have received their tokens, enabling procurement to commence smoothly.

District officials held discussions with farmers and millers to resolve operational issues linked to procurement, transportation, and payment. Authorities expressed confidence that the process will move ahead without disruption.
However, unrest continues in Bargarh district, where procurement mandis are scheduled to open today, but tokens have not yet reached farmers. The delay has triggered anger and frustration among cultivators who fear losses if the process is further postponed.

Farmers in Bargarh have warned of agitation if tokens are not issued immediately and procurement is not carried out as promised.

The administration has assured that the matter is being taken up on priority, and efforts are underway to distribute tokens at the earliest to prevent any disruption in the procurement cycle.

Meanwhile, to facilitate farmers, mandis have been equipped with essential facilities, including food, drinking water, and toilets. Mill owners have been instructed to ensure the timely transport of paddy to prevent delays in procurement.