Bhubaneswar: Opposition BJD member Prasanna Acharya on Friday urged Speaker Surama Padhi to direct the government to take steps to procure Kharif paddy as soon as possible. Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Acharya wanted the Speaker to direct the Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Minister and the Cooperation Minister to take immediate action to procure paddy and “not play with the fate of farmers.” He said that despite the government’s announcement to begin paddy procurement in Bargarh district from November 20, the process has not yet begun. He said that although paddy harvesting has ended, registration of farmers to sell paddy has not yet been completed.
More than 5,000 farmers in Bargarh district have not yet registered to sell their paddy. There is no space to store paddy in the markets, while warehouses are full because the FCI is not picking up the paddy. Farmers also do not have space to store paddy in their homes. Unable to sell their produce, farmers have resorted to forced selling. Acharya alleged that the government has not yet set a quota for millers to purchase paddy. He wanted both ministers to take the issue seriously, visit the district, assess the situation, and intervene.
Bhubaneswar BJD appeals to Speaker for paddy procurement
