8 months ago
Farmers Threaten Sambalpur Bandh Over Paddy Procurement Issues
Farmers in Sambalpur district are very upset because the government is not helping them sell their paddy quickly enough.
They say the government is giving them too few tokens to sell their paddy, which is making them lose money.
Around 65,000 farmers have registered to sell their paddy, but many haven't gotten enough tokens.
The farmers' group, POKSSS, says the government needs to act fast or they will protest on December 19.
The government says they are working on the problem and will give tokens to all farmers.
The farmers can sell extra paddy in the market or keep it for themselves.
Farmers in Sambalpur district threaten a shutdown on December 19 over alleged irregularities in paddy procurement.
POKSSS accuses the administration of indifference towards farmers' losses and slow procurement process.
Around 65,143 farmers registered for procurement, but only 40,000 received one token each, which is insufficient.
Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra assures that tokens will be issued to all registered farmers.
Farmers can sell surplus paddy in the open market or keep it for personal use after token allocation.
- Who
- Paschim Odisha Krushak Sangathan Samanwaya Samiti (POKSSS) and farmers in Sambalpur district
- What
- Threatening a shutdown over alleged irregularities in paddy procurement
- Where
- Sambalpur district, Odisha
- When
- December 19
- Why
- Alleged severe irregularities in the paddy procurement process, including token generation issues and administrative indifference
Key facts
- Farmers' Outfit
- Paschim Odisha Krushak Sangathan Samanwaya Samiti (POKSSS)
- Registered Farmers
- 65,143
- Tokens Issued
- 40,000 farmers issued one token each
- Procurement Rate
- 17 quintals per acre (non-irrigated), 19 quintals per acre (irrigated)
- Protest Date
- December 19
- Minister Involved
- Krushna Chandra Patra (Food Supplies Minister)
- Paddy per Token
- 75 quintals
Quotes
Ashok Pradhan
Convenor of Paschim Odisha Krushak Sangathan Samanwaya Samiti (POKSSS)
“One token is issued for the procurement of 75 quintals of paddy. Farmers across western Odisha have been denied second procurement tokens. Never before has kharif procurement happened at such a sluggish pace.”
thehansindia.com
“We will be continuing our symbolic protest till December 19, and wait for the government to take steps. If they fail, we will launch another massive protest without a second thought.”
thehansindia.com
Krushna Chandra Patra
Food Supplies Minister
“We will issue tokens to all registered farmers to procure paddy. We procure paddy at 17 quintals per acre in non-irrigated land and 19 quintals per acre in irrigated areas. The farmers can sell their surplus paddy after token allocation in the open market or keep it at home for their own consumption.”
thehansindia.com
