Nabarangpur: Welcoming the ‘Mo Sarkar’ Yojana of the state government, an initiative under 5T model of governance, farmers of Nabarangpur have urged the authorities to ensure ‘dalal-free’ mandi in the district.
There is no denial of the fact that ‘dalalgiri’ (brokering) has become rampant in paddy procurement and dalals earn handsomely in mandis by making the most of the illegal nexus between millers and departmental officials, farmers alleged.
According to sources, several mandis will be opened in Nabarangpur district under the Large Area Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPS) ahead of the kharif crop season paddy procurement.
It is known, LAMPS procure paddy from farmers every year by deducting five to seven kg of paddy per quintal. Those who refuse to this arbitrary proposal end up suffering badly.
Even after deducting five to seven kg of paddy on the plea that crop does not meet fair average quality (FAQ) norms, farmers of this district do not get their dues for months together.
On the other hand, despite government provision to provide jute sacks to farmers, it is not being followed in practice. Moreover, millers should lift paddy right from the mandis whereas transportation cost is allegedly being deducted from farmers.
Similarly, the Regulated Market Committees (RMCs) are supposed to provide tarpaulin sheets to farmers during rainy season. Also, the RMCs should make necessary arrangements for drinking water, lighting through generators, chairs during night stay of farmers.
Many RMCs are not following the guidelines of the state government and a probe is needed to find out the involvement of brokers in all these unscrupulous activities, farmers said.
Procurement is taking place in the name of fake farmers and the targets are usually falsified. Genuine farmers of the district are suffering to the utmost extent, they lamented.
