Odisha says AgriStack ID not mandatory for paddy farmers

Farmers in a place called Odisha, in India, grow rice called paddy.

The government has a new digital system called AgriStack that gives farmers a special ID.

Some farmers were told they needed this ID to sign up to sell their rice to the government.

Many farmers were upset because they don't have paper documents showing they own their land.

People who farm land that belongs to someone else, called sharecroppers, were worried too.

Farmers got together and protested in Baragada and Balangir districts.

The government listened and said the ID is not required to register.

Officials promised that every farmer can register and get a token to sell paddy.

Sharecroppers just need the landowner's permission, which can even be given through a special app.