Farmers in Sambalpur announce a district-wide shutdown on December 19 after frustration over token distribution for paddy procurement reaches a breaking point.
The Paschim Odisha Krushak Sangathan Samanwaya Samiti leads the agitation, accusing the administration of negligence. Farmers argue that despite mandis opening, thousands remain unable to sell their produce because they lack procurement tokens. Vehicles loaded with paddy stand stranded, and losses mount daily.
Around 65,143 farmers registered for procurement this season. Reports show nearly 6,000 farmers did not receive any tokens, while about 45,000 received only one token each. Farmers insist this allocation fails to cover their harvest. Official figures claim 61,892 farmers received tokens, leaving about 2,000 without access.
Protests intensify across Rengali, Sindurpank, Rairakhol, and Huma. Farmers block roads and demand immediate action. They accuse the government of ignoring repeated complaints and instead resorting to arrests. The confrontation grows sharper as livelihoods remain at risk.
Distressed sales surge in several areas as farmers struggle to recover costs. They highlight that procurement in neighbouring Chhattisgarh runs smoothly under the same ruling party, while Odisha farmers continue to suffer.
The agitation now heads toward a decisive showdown. Farmers prepare innovative protest programs beginning December 16. The December 19 shutdown aims to force the administration to deliver solutions. Leaders warn that failure to resolve the crisis could spread unrest beyond Sambalpur, turning the procurement failure into a larger agrarian flashpoint.
