Odisha’s Leader of the Opposition and Biju Janata Dal president, Naveen Patnaik, has written to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, highlighting the challenges faced by farmers in paddy procurement. Patnaik expressed concern over alleged mismanagement leading to distress and exploitation of farmers during the current Kharif procurement season. He criticized the state government for not fulfilling promises made in its election manifesto, particularly regarding Minimum Support Price (MSP) enhancement and preventing illegal deductions by millers.
Patnaik emphasized the issue of ‘Katni Chhatni’ at mandis, where farmers face arbitrary deductions under various pretexts, affecting their earnings. He questioned the government’s failure to address this issue as per its electoral commitments and raised concerns about recent decisions contradicting the promised input subsidy. The opposition leader urged immediate intervention to rectify the situation and ensure fair treatment of farmers in Odisha.
Drawing attention to delays in paddy stock lifting, lack of facilities at mandis, and payment delays, Patnaik highlighted the plight of farmers forced into distress sales below MSP due to the chaotic procurement process. He called for the deployment of special squads to curb malpractices, removal of restrictive subsidy limits, prompt payment through Direct Benefit Transfer, and timely lifting of paddy stocks to alleviate farmers’ hardships. Patnaik warned of escalating protests if the government fails to address these pressing issues promptly.
