Bhadrak: A farmer, frustrated over his failure to sell paddy despite having a token, attempted to commit suicide by consuming poison in front of Bandhagaon paddy procurement centre under Bhadrak rural police limits Saturday.
However, he was rushed to the district headquarters hospital (DHH) in critical condition. He is currently undergoing treatment in the medicine ward.
According to reports, Rameswar Self Help Group (SHG) has been tasked to procure paddy from farmers in the Bandhagan panchayat.
Rama Krushna Panda, one of the local farmers, had been issued a token to sell his paddy to the SHG.
Rama Krushna urged the SHG to lift his produce, but the latter refused to do so, citing that the dateline of his token has expired.
Upset over this, he attempted to end his life by consuming poison.
Earlier in the day, a group of farmers blocked NH-53 near Basantia Chhak in Bant block alleging irregularities in paddy procurement.
Taking serious note of the issue, the administration started an investigation into the matter.
Sub-collector Pitambar Samal and district civil supplies officer Ranjan Seth visited the paddy procurement centre Saturday afternoon.
It was learnt that 554 farmers have registered at the centre for procurement. But Saturday, the SHG has procured 18,000 quintals of paddy from 330 farmers.
SHG president Minati Barik said that the date of the token for Rama Krushna Panda had expired. Besides, a further target was not given to the SGH, she added.
The sib-collector said that an investigation has been ordered and the report will be submitted to the Collector.
It may be noted here that the State Assembly witnessed a ruckus over the procurement issue Friday as the Opposition members alleged irregularities in the procurement process.
PNN
