Khaira: Several farmers have expressed concern over closure of mandis in Khaira block of Balasore district even as paddy worth lakhs of rupees is lying unsold here.
The distressed farmers have also threatened to boycott the upcoming general elections in protest if the authorities fail to reopen the mandis and buy their grain.
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, have been left disappointed as the authorities bought only 56 per cent of their produce due to alleged irregularities by the millers even as paddy procurement has started from December 2018.
As the supply department has closed procurement process from March 16, the farmers have been left in the lurch with no money to pay back their debts and run their family.
Despite complaints, the government is yet to open the mandis. Now, the farmers look forward to the government to buy their paddy once again.
Irate farmers have threatened to resort to agitation, if the government did not take a quick decision to buy their paddy.
PNN
