Farmers in Odisha have been facing significant delays in paddy procurement, leading to widespread frustration and allegations of governmental inefficiency. Opposition leader Prasanna Acharya from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) raised the issue during the zero hour in the assembly, accusing the government of playing with the fate and future of farmers by delaying the purchase of harvested paddy. He claimed that despite farmers having harvested their crops a month ago, mandis (procurement centres) remain closed in many areas, and where they are open, no buying is taking place.
Acharya highlighted that over 5,000 farmers in districts like Bargarh are yet to complete registration, and tokens for selling paddy have not been issued. This has forced many farmers into distress sales at prices much lower than the mandated minimum support price, allowing middlemen to exploit the situation. He warned the government against “playing with fire,” stating that such delays could ignite unrest across the entire state.
Acharya further pointed out issues with millers, who are reluctant to procure paddy due to lack of space, as last year’s stock remains unprocessed and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) is not lifting the rice, partly due to the “double engine” government’s policies. This, he argued, is compelling farmers to sell under duress.
Responding to the allegations, Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samant clarified outside the assembly that paddy procurement has begun from Bargarh district starting today. He assured that the process will extend to coastal districts by January. The minister emphasised that the government has sufficient storage space for the paddy and noted that more farmers have registered this year compared to previous seasons. He dismissed the opposition’s claims as mere political posturing, asserting that the administration is vigilant about ensuring farmers receive subsidies and achieve economic upliftment.
The ongoing delays have sparked concerns about the overall paddy procurement system this year, with the opposition demanding immediate action to prevent further hardship for the farming community.
