Authorities in Nabarangpur district’s Raighar block, located along the Odisha–Chhattisgarh border, seized a truck loaded with paddy sacks amid reports of open smuggling before mandis officially opened.
Police and supply department officials intercepted the vehicle and confirmed that an investigation is underway.
Officials revealed that despite mandis not yet opening in Odisha, traders from Chhattisgarh have begun smuggling paddy across the border. The seized truck, bearing registration number CG 15 AC 5708, carried large quantities of paddy allegedly meant for illegal transport.
Supply Officer Debadhar Dhurua stated that Odisha paddy remains under the close watch of Chhattisgarh middlemen, who exploit the delay in mandi operations. The current price of paddy in both states stands at Rs 3,100 per quintal, with procurement expected to begin by the end of December.
Reports suggest that many farmers in Nabarangpur, tied to moneylenders, are forced to sell their produce to unregistered traders. These traders then smuggle paddy directly to Chhattisgarh. Even though prices remain equal in both states this year, Odisha paddy continues to attract brokers due to easier access and weaker enforcement.
Local residents highlighted that heavy vehicles cross the border daily, transporting smuggled paddy. Farmers, unable to complete registration, often sell to middlemen to avoid hassles at mandis. As a result, profits flow directly into the pockets of brokers while cultivators face exploitation.
