Bargarh: Even as paddy procurement for the Kharif season started in Bargarh, many farmers in the district are facing problems from the very beginning while disposing their paddy as they are unable to generate tokens, a report said.
Pointing out that tokens have been made mandatory for them before selling paddy at the mandis, farmers alleged that many of them have failed to get tokens.
It may be noted here that there were protests by farmers in western Odisha over the token system previous years.
The report said the administration has opened 185 mandis in the district since November 9. But procurement will start in Sohela, Melchhamunda, Gaisilet and others from November 15, said an office holder of the Bargarh Zilla Chasi Sangathan Samnwaya Samiti.
“Even if mandis are opened, farmers will not be able to sell their paddy till November 15. Due to token system, farmers have to suffer a lot,” lamented Kishore Debata, secretary of the farmers’ body.
Laxman Pradhan, a farmer, said,” The farmers who have harvested paddy have not received their tokens while many who have got tokens have not yet harvested their paddy.”
He alleged that such a mess has been created due to the apathy of the administration.
As farmers started facing problems in getting tokens, a delegation of farmers deliberated on the issue Wednesday and has decided to take up the issue with the Collector.
Some farmers had brought their paddy to Kalapnai mandi Tuesday. The staff of the mandi did not allow them to enter the premises as they did not have tokens.
Upset over it, the farmers created a ruckus. The staff had to open the gate of the mandi. “This problem has come up at several other mandis too. After harvest, farmers are in a hurry to sell their produce at the earliest. What is the use of opening mandis when tokens have not been issued to eligible farmers,” farmers lamented.
They pointed out that the token system will slow down the procurement process, giving advantage to middlemen and traders to buy paddy at low prices from needy farmers.
Congress warns of agitation
Bargarh, Nov 11: Amid displeasure of farmers over compulsory token system for paddy procurement, Congress in Bargarh district has warned of an agitation Wednesday. Congress leaders alleged that the farmers who have harvested paddy have not received tokens while procurement has started.
The party alleged that token system had created a mess in the system. A delegation of Congress leaders led by district unit president Nihar Ranjan Mahananda submitted a memorandum to Collector Jyotoranjan Pradhan. Congress leaders said that tokens should be issued to farmers the day they come with their produce to the mandis.
PNN
