Relief for farmers: Millers withdraw protest, paddy mandis to function normally from tomorrow

The rice millers on Wednesday agreed to withdraw their agitation after the Odisha government heard their demands, and mandi operations are expected to return to normal from tomorrow. The State Rice Millers’ Association shared this information during a press meet.

According to the association, the situation at paddy mandis across the state will normalise from tomorrow following assurances given by the state government. After receiving commitments from the government, the millers’ association decided to call off its agitation.

Fresh Meeting In Future

The millers have been assured that their demands will be fulfilled within 15 days. However, the association clarified that if the demands are not met within the stipulated time, a fresh meeting will be convened to take a decision on the future course of action. This information was shared by the association’s secretary, Laxmi Narayan Das.

Also Read: Odisha govt accepts millers’ demands, paddy procurement resumes in 19 districts

In addition, the government has issued a letter assuring that the pending dues will be cleared within seven days. Expressing optimism, the millers’ association secretary said they hope the government will honour its commitments and resolve the issues at the earliest.

“We had talks with millers of 30 districts through video conference. They all thanked the supply department and the Minister for taking immediate steps towards our demands. As Makar Sankranti is ahead, farmers have to sell their produce, so instead of 7 days, we will procure paddy for 15 days,” informed Laxmi Narayan Das, Secretary, of the millers’ association.