MLAs express concern over "mismanagement" in paddy procurement

Cutting across party lines,

MLAs in the Odisha Assembly on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the "gross mismanagement" in the paddy procurement during the Kharif season.

The issue was raised by senior BJD MLA and former minister Bhupinder Singh from Kalahandi district, who said the farmers faced difficulties in selling their paddy.

"The farmers in my constituency have received tokens very late for paddy procurement. Some farmers want to sell surplus paddy, but are not getting the opportunity," he said.

Singh also said as the agents of the millers turn up late at the mandis, the farmers find it difficult to sell their produce. Since this year's paddy production is good, the government should take steps for paddy procurement effectively.

BJD member and deputy government whip Rohit Pujari said the farmers face difficulty in mandis due to the token system mandatory to sale paddy.

BJD MLA Kishore Kumar Mohanty also expressed concern about the "mismanagement" in paddy ...