Paddy procurement halted at Malmunda Mandi as protest by millers hits farmers in Bolangir

Paddy procurement at Malmunda mandi under Puintala block in Bolangir district has come to a complete standstill following an ongoing protest by rice millers over their demands. With millers refusing to send vehicles to lift paddy from the mandi, farmers are left in distress, as large quantities of harvested paddy remain exposed in the open, raising fears of losses if weather conditions deteriorate.

Farmers said that despite bringing their produce to the mandi as per the procurement schedule, lifting has stopped entirely due to the millers’ agitation. The situation has heightened anxiety among farmers, particularly with the threat of unseasonal rain.

Crisis Spreads Across State

Officials and farmer representatives said the problem is not confined to Malmunda alone. Similar disruptions in paddy lifting have been reported from several mandis across the state over the past few days. Thousands of paddy sacks remain piled up in mandis and storage points, compounding the difficulties for farmers.

The crisis has worsened after earlier delays caused by token-related issues, and the ongoing protest by millers has further aggravated the procurement process.

A local farmer expressed concern, saying, “Millers are not sending vehicles to lift the paddy. Our produce is lying in the open. If it rains, everything will be damaged.”

Officials Assure Early Resolution

Farmers said the mandi had opened later than usual this season, though procurement initially progressed smoothly before the fresh disruption. Block-level officials stated that they are in constant communication with rice millers and are making efforts to resume lifting at the earliest.

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Officials added that farmers would be informed in advance once lifting resumes to avoid inconvenience. A notice has also been issued seeking a 15-day extension of token validity, so that farmers do not lose their procurement slots due to the delay.

However, officials clarified that procurement can only move forward once millers resume lifting paddy from the mandis.

Adding to the farmers’ difficulties, tractor operators are reportedly charging high transportation fees, increasing the financial burden on cultivators. Farmers have urged the district administration and the state government to intervene immediately so that the impasse ends and their produce is protected from loss.