Khaira: Several farmers in Khaira block of Balasore district have said they would boycott the upcoming general elections, both the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls if the authorities fail to open the ‘mandis’ and buy paddy.They said paddy worth lakhs of rupees is lying unsold.
With no other source of procurement, the farmers have left their paddy in the open to be devoured by insects and birds.
The farmers, already burdened by debt and crop loss due to unseasonal rain last week, were disappointed after the authorities only bought 56 per cent of their produce.
Though paddy procurement started in December 2018, there were alleged irregularities from millers.
As the supply department closed the procurement process, March 16, the farmers have been left in the lurch with no money to pay back their debts and run their families.
Despite complaints, the government hasn’t reopened the mandis. The farmers are hopeful that the government would buy their paddy once again.
The farmers threatened that they would start an agitation, including the boycott of elections, if the government failed to take a decision on paddy procurement soon.
PNN
