The ongoing paddy procurement process in Odisha faces significant disruption as millers escalate their agitation following unsuccessful negotiations with the state government.
The All Odisha Millers Association has declared that they will not resume lifting paddy from farmers until they receive written assurances for their pending demands, including overdue payments and increased transportation costs.
The standoff comes at a critical time when paddy collection is already underway across the state. Millers, representing districts from all over Odisha, held a meeting with the Managing Director of the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation on Monday. However, the discussions yielded no concrete resolutions, prompting the association to continue their non-cooperation movement.
Association President Mahesh Bansal and General Secretary emphasised that prior talks with the concerned minister had promised fulfilment of their demands, but the department now claims more time is needed. “We have no faith in verbal assurances from the government anymore,” they stated. “Without a written commitment on when our demands will be met, we will not lift paddy.”
The millers’ key grievances include dues pending for two years related to paddy custody charges and a hike in transportation fees for distances exceeding 40 km. This agitation has been ongoing for a year, exacerbating delays in paddy procurement in various districts. The state has seen persistent hurdles in the buying process, and the millers’ firm stance is making the situation more complex.
Ironically, while millers face allegations of irregularities in paddy milling and processing, they are now protesting for their rightful payments. In the past, similar demands led to a temporary strike, which was called off after government promises. However, with those commitments unfulfilled, the millers have relaunched their movement.
Financially, the millers claim that approximately Rs 350 crore is outstanding from the government for maintenance and transportation costs in the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 financial years. The federation has clarified that they are willing to proceed with milling operations, but the government must take responsibility for paddy procurement and transportation arrangements.
As the deadlock persists, farmers across Odisha are likely to bear the brunt, with potential delays in selling their harvest. The government has yet to issue an official response to the latest developments, but sources indicate that further talks may be scheduled to resolve the impasse.
