Nuapada: With thousands of quintals of paddy lying unsold in mandis after the state government closed procurement centres from February 4, farmers are under severe stress.
Meanwhile, the unseasonal rain accompanied under the impact of a strong western disturbance has added to their woes.
The rain has compounded the woes of the farmers who are yet to sell their produce after the closure of the mandis. As taking the paddy back to their homes is a difficult proposition given the cost involved in it, the farmers had demanded a second phase of procurement.
If the government did not take steps to procure the remaining paddy, the farmers will be forced to go for distress sale. However, they are now a worried lot as the unseasonal rain has soaked thousands of sacks of paddy lying in the open in the mandis.
As per reports from Nuapada, at least 90,000 quintals of paddy are lying unsold in five mandis. While the millers are nowhere to be seen after the closure of the mandis, the farmers are spending sleepless nights to guard the produce, waiting for the second phase of procurement.
Nuapada farmers had a good harvest despite a drought-like situation. However, the real problems of the farmers started when they reached the mandis to sell their produce. While, millers demanded extra paddy per quintal, the farmers were cheated due to various irregularities in the procurement process.
Worse, the government closed the mandis, leaving scores of farmers in the lurch. At present, at least 35,000 quintals paddy is lying unsold in Sarabang mandi, 25,000 quintals in Motta, 10,000 quintals each in Parkod, Beltukuri and Kulihabandha mandis in this district.
Farmers were seen trying to protect their produce with polythene sheets. They expressed resentment and demanded the government to take immediate steps to help them sell the remaining paddy.
PNN