Post News Network
Padmapur, Dec 20: Farmers of Padmapur sub-division in Bargarh district are having a tough time as hundreds of sacks of paddy piled up outside the procurement centres (mandis) for the last 15 days have not yet been procured.
The farmers have threatened to take to the streets if the matter is not sorted out soon.
In Madosil market yard, over 17,000 sacks of paddy have been lying in the open for the last 15 days. The authorities have not procured even a single sack of paddy yet. The farmers alleged that they have apprised the district administration and the civil supplies department of the matter, but in vain.
Taking advantage of the prevailing situation, middlemen of the area purchase paddy from farmers at throwaway prices.
According to sources, there are several errors in the online registration system, which is the main cause behind the delay in the procurement process.
Besides, the procurement centres have not been opened at several places. The administration had announced that paddy would be procured from 46 centres in six blocks under the sub-division from December 7. But, 22 mandis have not yet been opened.
Procurement centres are yet to be opened at Babi Katang, Baratunda, Jaraseth, Bukuramunda and Rakhamara under Paikmal block; Arda, Jaring, Keuntipali, Bhatigaon, Budhapali, Chantapali, Kundakhi and Saipali under Bijepur block; and Gaisilet, Guberpali, Jagahpat, Kathaumal, Katanbahal and Talapali under Gaisilet block.
