Farmers from various blocks in Bargarh protested on Friday in front of the district collector’s office, demanding action over the delays in the lifting of paddy from multiple mandis.
Organized under the Sanjukta Krushak Sangathan, the farmers expressed frustration at the district administration’s inaction towards rice millers, which they believe has worsened their situation.
The farmers highlighted that over six lakh bags of paddy are currently exposed to the elements at different mandis, including Kumbhari, Tulandi, and Agalpur in Barpali block, as well as Bara in Ambabhona and Kubedega, Saharatikra, and Tentulitikra in Bheden block. They claimed to have brought premium quality paddy, but due to inadequate storage facilities and delays in procurement influenced by the millers, their produce remains unsold.
The protesting farmers also expressed their disappointment with the new BJP government, which they had hoped would address their challenges. They recalled promises made regarding a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 3,100 for all types of paddy, without deductions and free from the influence of millers and middlemen. However, they criticized the introduction of grain analyzer machines, which they feel are being misused to exploit farmers. They alleged that despite delivering clean and dry paddy, millers are threatening to deduct two to three kilograms from every quintal, and if farmers resist, their paddy is simply not picked up. Furthermore, the delay in procurement has enabled middlemen to pressure farmers into selling their paddy at lower prices. The farmers claimed that the district administration is fully aware of these issues but has failed to take any meaningful action.
Farmer leader Ramesh Mahapatra stated that over 1.55 lakh farmers have registered to sell their paddy, yet the district administration lacks information on the number of farmers who have not yet received their tokens. He pointed out that less than 50 per cent of the paddy procurement target has been met thus far, compared to over 60 per cent at the same time last year. Mahapatra warned that they have given the district administration a three-day ultimatum. If the paddy at the mandis is not lifted by Sunday, they plan to dump the bags at the collector’s office and launch an indefinite protest.
According to sources, so far, 34 lakh quintals of paddy have been procured from 72,000 farmers in Bargarh district.
